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De Aar Wind Projects One and Two

 Creating clean energy for all.

25 Oct 2024

2 minutes

Alastair Herbertson

Fast view

  • The two De Aar Wind Projects are pivotal contributors to South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REI4P).
  • By acquiring debt from Nedbank, Ninety One was able to secure a stake in this pioneering renewable energy project.
  • The loan facility will help foster job creation, promote local economic development, and ensure that clean energy reaches those who need it most.

Sector: Energy
Total commitment: ZAR 325 & 495 million
Primary SDG: 7 - Affordable and clean energy

Background

The two De Aar Wind Projects are pivotal contributors to South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REI4P), launched in 2011. This programme aims to increase electricity supply by attracting private sector investment in renewable energy, while actively supporting South Africa’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement. Together, these wind farms boast an impressive 244.5 Megawatt (MW) capacity generated by 163 wind turbines, harnessing the strong and steady winds of the Northern Cape. Located around 30 km northeast of De Aar, these projects began commercial operations on 31 October 2017, marking a significant step forward in South Africa’s renewable energy journey.

Opportunity

The REI4P and the recent passage of the Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) bill are sparking transformative changes in South Africa’s electricity sector, which has long been dominated by Eskom. By acquiring debt from Nedbank, Ninety One has secured a stake in this pioneering renewable energy project, which has now been operational for over six years and recently passed its end-of-warranty inspections. This venture not only provides a stable and predictable income stream for investors, but also brings tangible benefits to the local community. The loan facility is instrumental in fostering job creation, promoting local economic development, and ensuring that clean energy reaches those who need it most. With the government easing licensing regulations for self-generation of electricity—from 1 MW to 100 MW—and lifting caps on embedded generation, a robust framework now supports private sector involvement in electricity generation, trading, and purchasing. This paves the way for even more local opportunities and community-driven growth, fueled by sustainable energy sources.

Contribution and impact

The De Aar Wind Project is lighting up surrounding communities and powering local economies by creating jobs and providing essential electricity. This transformative project is not just a step forward in clean energy—it’s also a major contributor to South Africa’s socio-economic development goals. Leading the charge, in partnership with Mulilo Energy Holdings, is Longyuan Power Group Company (CLY) Limited SA, a subsidiary of China Energy, renowned for its expertise in wind power and thermal generation. CLY’s commitment to sustainable energy has earned it prestigious awards, and it has been recognised among the Global New Energy 500 enterprises for an impressive ten consecutive years. With CLY as the project’s majority shareholder and driving force, South Africa has a unique opportunity to tap into world-class renewable energy expertise while advancing toward its ambitious net-zero carbon emissions target.

Authored by

Alastair Herbertson

Important Information

This communication is provided for general information only should not be construed as advice.

All the information in is believed to be reliable but may be inaccurate or incomplete. The views are those of the contributor at the time of publication and do not necessary reflect those of Ninety One.

Any opinions stated are honestly held but are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.

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