With reference to Vestas Wind Systems A/S’ company announcement No. 43/2012 of 15 November 2012, Vestas, the world leader in wind energy, is pleased to announce a 67 MW order from Umoya Energy for South Africa. The project, consisting of 37 V100-1.8 MW wind turbines, will be installed in the province of Hopefield at the Western Cape of the country. The turbine delivery is planned for the second quarter of 2013 and the wind farm is expected to be commissioned by February 2014.
Umoya Energy is a project company with participation of the African Infrastructure Investment Fund Trust, the Kagiso Infrastructure Empowerment Fund Trust, the Infrastructural, Developmental and Environmental Assets Managed Fund, Tomlo Commodities (Pty) Ltd and the Hopefield Wind Farm Local Community Company.
“Umoya Energy is proud to be a successful REIPPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme) Round 1 bidder and congratulates the RSA Department of Energy for running a world-class procurement process. We are pleased to have formed a partnership with Vestas Southern Africa for the provision of EPC and O&M services on the Hopefield Wind Farm. The interactions to date have reinforced our decision and we look forward to an ongoing mutually beneficial relationship with Vestas,” says Mr Richard Gordon, CEO of Umoya Energy.
The contract includes the supply, installation and commissioning of 37 V100-1.8 MW wind turbines, along with a VestasOnline® Business SCADA solution, full scope civil and electrical works as well as a 15-year full-scope service agreement (AOM 5000). The AOM 5000 service package offers customers assured performance, helping them to avoid unforeseen operational costs of any kind.
“The project contains strong local economic development obligations. Beside the supply of clean energy, it provides significant employment and skills development to the local community. In this regard, Vestas is taking its responsibilities very seriously. We are excited to contribute not only to long- term renewable energy generation in South Africa, but also to the sustainable development of the communities Vestas is working in,” states Phylip Leferink, Vice President of Sales Benelux and South Africa, Vestas Central Europe.
“After being awarded ‘preferred supplier’ for several wind power projects in South Africa, today, we are very proud to receive the Hopefield order from our partner Umoya Energy,” says Dr. Wolfgang J. Schmitz, President of Vestas Central Europe. “For us, this project marks the exciting start of developing large wind power plants and several hundred MWs in South Africa over the next few years. As a pioneer in the development of the wind energy sector on this market, Vestas offers Umoya Energy 30 years of experience and leading technology wind turbines, making a clearly successful business case.”