The 1-gigawatt (GW) Carissa Wind Energy Facility (WEF) in South Africa’s Western Cape has received environmental authorisation, making it the country’s largest permitted wind energy project.
Developed by AMDA Developments, the facility will consist of 154 turbines and is located near Beaufort West. The environmental impact assessment was conducted by Blue Crane Environmental, with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) granting approval within a streamlined timeframe under the project’s Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP) status.
Piero Granelli, head of AMDA’s South African operations, said: “Development projects always present unique challenges, but we are thrilled to have successfully navigated this milestone. Since 2010, AMDA has grown its renewable energy portfolio in South Africa to over 5,000MW. We commend Blue Crane for their dedication to meeting strict permitting timelines without compromising on environmental integrity, and we appreciate the DFFE’s clear guidance throughout the process.”
The wind farm’s clean energy will be supplied to Hive Hydrogen South Africa, which will use the power to support its green ammonia production facility in the Port of Ngqura (Coega) in the Eastern Cape.
Thulani Gcabashe, chairman of Hive Hydrogen South Africa, said: “We are delighted that our Carissa wind project has achieved this major milestone. We have been constantly impressed by the professionalism, thoroughness and efficiency of the environmental impact assessment conducted by Blue Crane and managed by AMDA.”
