Indian wind turbine manufacturer Suzlon has secured approval to deploy 66 S.88 2.1 MW turbines at the Cookhouse Wind Energy Facility in South Africa.
Developed in partnership with African Clean Energy Developments (ACED), the Cookhouse facility is jointly owned by African Infrastructure Investment Managers and AFPOC Limited.
Suzlon founder and chairman Tulsi Tanti remarked that by promoting such projects the country was laying a foundation for a green future.
The Standard Bank of South Africa, Nedbank and Futuregrowth Asset Management Proprietary Limited will provide debt financing for the project wherein The Cookhouse Wind Farm Community Trust holds 25% equity.
AFPOC, African Infrastructure Investment Fund 2 Partnership, African Infrastructure Investment Fund 2 (Mauritius), Apollo Investment Partnership II, and Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) are the other stakeholders in the project.
ACED managing director Thomas Donnelly remarked that the successful implementation of the project will result in cleaner energy base for the country, as well as create community ownership.
"Commencement of construction of the Cookhouse Wind Farm, along with all other projects selected in Round 1 of the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme, marks a major milestone for independent power producers in South Africa," said Donnelly.