South Africa - Vestas selected as preferred supplier to five wind farm projects

Vestas, the world leader in wind energy, has been selected as the preferred supplier to five wind energy projects selected by the South African Department of Energy as part of the country’s second round of renewable energy tenders. The five projects have a combined nameplate capacity of 297 MW.

Vestas is the preferred supplier to the following wind farm projects:

- West Coast 1, 94 MW, Developer: GDF Suez/IPR
- SA Tsitsikamma, 95.33 MW, Developer: Cennergi (Pty) Ltd.
- Grahamstown, 24.60 MW, Developer: EDF EN France
- Grassridge, 61.50 MW, Developer: EDF EN France
- Chaba, 21.53 MW, Developer: EDF EN France

Combined with the first round of tenders announced in December of 2011, Vestas has won preferred supplier status for seven projects totaling 435.10 MW – approximately 36 per cent of the approved wind projects in South Africa.

“Vestas is very pleased to be recognised by our potential customers and the industry as a preferred supplier,” says James White, Sales Manager for Vestas Southern Africa. “We see yesterday’s news as further proof of our focus on building the wind energy industry in South Africa and ensuring that we contribute to the social and economic development of South Africa and its people.”

“The tender process puts a strong emphasis on local content. These projects will not only deliver clean energy, but also benefits to the communities where these projects will be built. This includes skills development through Vestas’ integrated education, training and career opportunity structure that will help to develop and train a workforce that meets the skills requirements of the promising renewable energy industry in South Africa.”

Vestas and the project developers have six months to reach financial close, by which point Vestas must negotiate and finalise turbine supply, service and maintenance and construction contracts.

Vestas has been active in South Africa for 10 years, and opened an office serving Southern and Eastern Africa in 2010. Vestas is committed to South Africa for the long term and committed to the sustainable development of the South African wind energy sector through sharing its 30 years of experience and knowledge.

About Vestas:
Every single day, Vestas wind turbines deliver clean energy that supports the global fight against climate change. Wind power from Vestas’ more than 46,000 wind turbines currently reduces carbon emissions by approximately 50 million tons of CO2 every year, while at the same time building energy security and independence. Today, Vestas have installed turbines in 69 countries, providing jobs for approximately 20,000 passionate people at our service and project sites, research facilities, factories and offices all over the world.

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