- 420 MW wind cluster reaches commercial operation under Round 5 of the REIPPPP.
- Largest privately built Main Transmission Substation enables up to 1.5 GW grid connection capacity.
- Project delivers strong local content participation and long term community development funding.
EDF Power Solutions has achieved commercial operation of the 420 MW Koruson 1 wind power cluster, comprising three wind farms located between Noupoort and Middelburg on the border of the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape in South Africa.
The cluster, which includes the San Kraal, Phezukomoya and Coleskop wind farms, was developed by a consortium led by EDF Power Solutions in partnership with South African Black Economic Empowerment partners H1 Holdings, Gibb Crede and a local community trust. The project was awarded preferred bidder status under Round 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme in 2021 and operates under a 20 year power purchase agreement with the national grid operator.
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A key feature of the development is the construction of the largest privately built Main Transmission Substation in South Africa. The facility is designed to integrate up to 1.5 GW of renewable energy capacity into the national grid, supporting not only Koruson 1 but also the 520 MW Koruson 2 wind project currently under development by EDF Power Solutions in partnership with Envusa Energy, as well as future renewable energy projects in the region.
Construction presented significant logistical and engineering challenges. The three project sites are located in a remote high altitude area more than 1,600 metres above sea level and span over 500 square kilometres. More than 110 kilometres of access roads were constructed across hilly and rocky terrain to enable construction, operations and long term maintenance. Major components for the 78 wind turbines and the substation were transported over 400 kilometres by road from the Port of Ngqura in Gqeberha to the project site.
Each of the 78 turbines installed across the cluster has a nominal capacity of 5.6 MW. EDF Power Solutions selected a turbine platform that combines Permanent Magnet Direct Drive technology with full power conversion through a synchronous generator. This configuration delivers high efficiency, strong reliability and enhanced grid support capability, particularly suited to South Africa’s constrained and evolving grid environment.
Approximately 40 percent of the total project value was sourced locally, underlining the programme’s industrial development objectives. At peak construction, more than 4,600 workers were deployed across the sites. During the operational phase, 1.2 percent of project revenues will be allocated to socio economic development initiatives benefiting surrounding communities.
Tristan de Drouas, Vice President Southern Africa at EDF Power Solutions, said the commissioning of Koruson 1 marks a significant milestone in the company’s 1.5 GW portfolio currently under construction in the country. He noted that the project will supply electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of around 579,000 South African households and was delivered with an excellent safety record.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
