Scheduled to enter service by mid-2016, the project is being developed as part of the third round of the South African Government’s renewable energy procurement program.

Noupoort Wind Farm project manager Martina Flanagan said: "As the Noupoort Wind Farm is being built on an undeveloped site surrounding a small rural community, it will help boost the local economy and have a positive impact on the community.

"Already many people are being employed, with 162 locals working on the roads, electrical works and foundations for the wind turbines, a number of foundations have been cast to date. Employment of local labour will continue throughout the construction period."

Featuring Siemens-built turbines, the wind farm is expected to generate approximately 305, 000MWh energy, while reducing around 300,000t of CO2 emissions. It will serve approximately 70,000 homes.

Siemens Wind Power is scheduled to deliver the turbines starting October.

Noupoort Wind Farm is owned by a consortium led by Lekela Power, which is a joint of Actis and Mainstream Renewable Power.

Partners in the project include Thebe Investment, IDEAS Managed Fund, Futuregrowth Asset Management, Genesis Eco-Energy as well as Lereko Metier Sustainable Capital and the Noupoort Renewable Energy Trust.