All three components of R16bn Koruson 2 renewables cluster now operational
All three projects that make up Envusa Energy’s giant 520 MW Koruson 2 renewable-energy cluster are now officially operational, after 130 MW of the 140 MW Hartebeesthoek Wind Farm entered into commercial operation.
The R16-billion cluster, built on sites in the Eastern and Northern Cape provinces, includes the two 140 MW-apiece wind farms of Umsobomvu and Hartebeesthoek, as well as the 240 MW Mooi Plaats Solar PV facility.
All told, the cluster comprises some 50 wind turbines, 420 000 solar panels and 943 string inverters.
The electricity generated is being wheeled into the national grid and has been contracted by Envusa Energy, which is also a licensed electricity trader, to supply the operations of Valterra Platinum, Kumba Iron Ore and De Beers.
CEO Nicole Mason says the Koruson 2 cluster has proved that the commercial model implemented by Envusa Energy, formed in 2022 by Anglo American and EDF power solutions, can be delivered at scale.
The model involves multiple renewables generators supplying multiple industrial customers through a licensed electricity trader, while using the National Transmission Company South Africa’s transmission network.
The company, she adds, is currently advancing with its next tranche of wind projects that have a 340 MW combined capacity, with financial close targeted for the first quarter of 2027 and commercial operations in 2029.
Envusa Energy aims to develop between 3 GW and 5 GW of wind, solar and battery storage capacity across Southern Africa by 2030, she reports.