Construction is now underway on the third phase of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm, a major renewable energy development reshaping the power landscape in Mpumalanga – historically South Africa’s coal heartland.
The 155 MW addition follows the successful financial close of this phase, moving the project further along its development timeline.
Led by Seriti Green, a renewable energy subsidiary of Seriti Resources – a black-owned coal producer with significant operations in the region – the project marks a pivotal step in South Africa’s energy transition. Seriti Resources supplies coal to several of Eskom’s major power stations, including Kriel, Tutuka, Lethabo, Kendal, and Duvha, as well as to international markets.
As reported by Mining Weekly, the first two phases of the wind farm reached financial close in 2024 and August 2025, respectively. So far, 25 wind turbines have already been installed across areas near Bethal, Davel, and Morgenzon.
The initial 155 MW phase is nearing completion and is expected to begin supplying power in early 2026. Meanwhile, the third phase secured long-term financing from Standard Bank, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), and ABSA, enabling construction to begin.
Once completed, the full Ummbila Emoyeni development will consist of seven phases with a total capacity of 900 MW. The first three phases, totaling 465 MW, are now all under construction. The broader project will include five wind farms, a solar PV installation, battery energy storage, and a new main transmission substation – the largest to be built in Mpumalanga in more than two decades.
