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Umsobomvu Wind Farm Begins Operations, Boosting SA’s Renewable Energy Portfolio

Published

4 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Source : {Pexels}

In a significant milestone for the energy sector, Envusa Energy proudly announced that the Umsobomvu Wind Project , boasting a capacity of 140 megawatts (MW) , has officially reached its Commercial Operation Date (COD).

This achievement comes just weeks after the COD of the Mooi Plaats Solar PV project (240MW), marking a pivotal moment in the rollout of the Koruson 2 energy cluster.

The Numbers

Now operational: 380MW of the total 520MW Koruson 2 cluster
Remaining: Hartebeesthoek Wind (expected online in June 2026 )

The Players

Envusa Energy is a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF Power Solutions , strategically established to develop and manage utility-scale renewable energy assets for South Africa’s intensive industrial landscape.

The Location

The Koruson 2 cluster is strategically located within South Africa’s richest renewable energy corridor:

Mooi Plaats Solar PV: Northern Cape
Umsobomvu Wind Farm: Eastern Cape
Hartebeesthoek Wind Farm: Eastern Cape

All three sites are connected to the Koruson 400kV Main Transmission Substation (MTS) the largest privately constructed transmission substation in the nation, capable of supporting up to 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy into the national grid.

The Impact

The combined 520MW capacity is expected to mitigate around 2.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually , significantly displacing coal-fired generation.

The operational projects are now fully integrated into the portfolio wheeling framework, effectively supplying energy to over ten mine sites , including Valterra, Kumba Iron Ore, and De Beers.

The Community Impact

Pele Green Energy holds a 20% equity stake across the three projects
A Community Trust ensures local residents partake in financial benefits throughout the 20-year operational lifespan
Thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities were created during construction
R20 million committed towards socio-economic development for local communities

The Future

Envusa Energy is advancing a bold pipeline aiming for 3 to 5 gigawatts of wind, solar, and battery storage projects across South Africa and the broader Southern African region by 2030 .

The Quotes

Tristan de Drouas , Vice President of EDF Power Solutions for Southern Africa: “Two CODs in successive months is a remarkable achievement, and it reflects the strength of the Anglo American and EDF Power Solutions partnership.”

Nicole Mason , CEO of Envusa Energy: “Two projects down, one more to come in Juneand beyond that, a pipeline that will define the next chapter of South Africa’s energy transition. Umsobomvu reaching COD is not the finish lineit is confirmation that we are on the right track.”