Electricity and Control March 2025

Renewable energy + industrial sustainability: Products + services

A decade of progress in sustainable energy in SA

Looking ahead The company’s focus remains on driving the energy transition and supporting the growing renewable energy sector with an emphasis on creating value and leveraging partnerships to enhance the deployment of investment. Over the next decade, Enel Green Power South Africa plans to double its operational capacity, targeting an additional 1.2 GW by 2027 with continuing investments in wind and solar energy as well as battery energy storage systems. The organisation recognises the critical role of renewable energy in addressing climate change, focusing on generating electricity with a minimal carbon footprint and promoting electrification. Battisti emphasised: “Linking renewable energy generation with e†icient energy use is essential in minimising our carbon footprint. Our ongoing e†orts to promote energy e†iciency and reduce overall consumption underscore our commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change.” He noted too, “We are grateful for the continued support of our stakeholders and communities. As we navigate the future, we remain resolute in our mission to harness renewable energy as a catalyst for positive change.” Under construction – the Impofu project Enel Green Power South Africa began construction on the Impofu project, a cluster of three wind farms in the Eastern Cape, in March 2024. The wind farms – Impofu East, Impofu West, and Impofu North – will provide renewable energy to Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa (Air Liquide) and Sasol South Africa (Sasol) and are scheduled to become operational in 2026. Together, the wind farms will include 57 turbines, eight high voltage substations, plus 120 km of 132 kV high voltage overhead power lines. They will generate up to 330 MW of renewable energy which will be wheeled via the national grid, in terms of a wheeling framework agreement with Eskom, to Sasol’s Secunda site in Mpumalanga where Air Liquide operates its large-scale oxygen production facility.

At the end of 2024, marking a decade of progress in the renewable energy sector in South Africa and southern Africa since it established its o†ice in Johannesburg, Enel Green Power reported on its achievements to date and ongoing planned projects. The company entered the market more than 10 years ago, a–er the introduction of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) and subsequently established a local o†ice in Johannesburg. Since then, it has developed, built and continues to operate over 1.2 GW of renewable energy capacity, which accounts for 20% of the country’s renewable energy capacity. Renewable energy is a key element in climate change mitigation and Enel Green Power looks at renewable energy in this light, not only as a source of electricity but also as a central aspect of countering climate change and promoting sustainability. Through its work Enel contributes to power generation in South Africa directly and indirectly. Its renewable energy capacity helps to sustain electricity supply, to reduce the carbon footprint of power generation and to lower electricity costs. The company has developed local skills and o†ers sustainable, innovative solutions for businesses, including customised power purchase agreements (PPAs) for organisations in the commercial and industrial market. The company is currently building the 330 MW Impofu wind power project in the Eastern Cape, a cluster of three wind farms set to connect to the grid in 2026. Beyond South Africa, it has also developed and operates the 35 MW Ngonye solar power project in Zambia. Creating shared value Enel is committed to creating shared value for local communities in South Africa, having invested about R4.5 billion into various projects in communities close to its projects. Its community initiatives focus on enterprise development and upskilling to create sustainable businesses that benefit the community economically and enhance the wellbeing of the people in the community. “Creating shared value with local communities is a priority,” said Manuele Battisti, Enel Country Manager for Southern Africa. “We are committed to ensuring that our projects create opportunities for growth and development.” EGP actively supports a range of community activities that demonstrate its commitment, fostering a collaborative approach towards sustainable development. These include a bursary programme to support gi–ed students identified in host communities; health and wellness centres, enhancing healthcare access in host communities; and an a–er-school programme supporting positive child development by providing a safe environment for children, to nurture their social, emotional, cognitive, and academic skills through fun, play-based learning and providing nutritious meals. Enel’s CSV (creating shared value) initiatives are designed to empower individuals and promote wellbeing within the communities in which it operates.

Manuele Battisti, Country Manager for Enel Southern Africa.

16 Electricity + Control MARCH 2025