Globeleq: Jeffreys Bay wind farm up and running

A group led by Globeleq had completed the largest wind farm in sub-Saharan Africa, the developer of power projects in Africa and the Americas said yesterday. The 138 megawatt Jeffreys Bay wind farm had started operating in the Eastern Cape, Globeleq, owned by UK-based private equity firm Actis, said. The plant’s minority shareholders are Mainstream Renewable Power, Old Mutual and four local parties. The facility is one of about 20 wind projects already permitted or financed as the government seeks to cut reliance on coal. It was chosen under the first tender for renewable energy in December 2011. The Globeleq-led consortium also completed two 50MW solar parks in South Africa in April. The two plants and the new wind farm combined would cost e500 million (R7.3 billion), Mainstream said in 2012 after securing financing. The Jeffreys Bay wind farm will generate enough electricity for almost 100 000 average local homes. – Bloomberg