Enel Green Power RSA has achieved commercial operation of its 330 MW Impofu Wind Farm cluster in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, marking a major milestone in supplying renewable electricity to the country’s commercial and industrial (C&I) market.
The Impofu Wind Farm cluster comprises three 110 MW wind projects—Impofu North, Impofu East, and Impofu West. Construction of the first project, Impofu North, began in 2024 and has now been followed by the commercial operation of Impofu East and Impofu West in May and June, completing the full 330 MW development.
As part of the project, Enel Green Power RSA constructed a 116-kilometre, 132 kV high-voltage transmission line, described as South Africa’s largest privately built powerline. The transmission infrastructure enables the delivery of renewable electricity through a wheeling framework, allowing power generated by private facilities to be transmitted to customers using the national electricity network.
The wind farm cluster is supported by three long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Sasol South Africa and Air Liquide South Africa. Under the agreements, renewable electricity generated by the three wind farms is supplied to Sasol’s Secunda industrial complex in Mpumalanga, where Air Liquide operates one of the world’s largest oxygen production facilities.
According to Sasol, the commissioning of the Impofu Wind Farm cluster increases the company’s operational renewable energy portfolio to more than 500 MW, with an additional 700 MW currently under construction. The company said the project supports its target of securing up to 2 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of its decarbonization strategy.
Air Liquide said the project represents a significant milestone in advancing industrial decarbonization in South Africa. The company expects the integration of renewable wind power into its Secunda operations to support its goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30% to 40% by 2031.
Beyond renewable energy generation, the project includes community development initiatives focused on local economic growth, skills development, and employment opportunities. Enel Green Power RSA said it is working closely with municipalities and community stakeholders to ensure investments align with local development priorities.
With the successful commissioning of the Impofu Wind Farm cluster, Enel Green Power RSA becomes among the first Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in South Africa to deliver large-scale wind power projects under private-sector PPAs for the commercial and industrial market, further supporting the country’s transition toward a cleaner energy system.
