Renewable energy producer African Clean Energy Developments (ACED) has secured a 144 MW order from Vestas for the construction of the Khangela Emoyeni wind farm in Western Cape, South Africa.
This marks a significant step in expanding renewable energy capacity in the region.
Details of the Vestas-ACED Partnership
The contract between ACED and Vestas includes the provision and installation of 32 V163-4.5 MW wind turbines, along with a comprehensive 10-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement.
This service agreement ensures ongoing maintenance and optimal performance of the turbines, solidifying the long-term viability of the project.
This order represents ACED’s second purchase of V163-4.5 MW wind turbines in 2024. Earlier in June, the company placed a similar 144 MW order for the Umsinde Emoyeni wind farm, also located in Western Cape. This consistency in turbine selection highlights the confidence ACED places in Vestas’ technology and reliability.
Long-Standing Collaboration Between ACED and Vestas
Sam Cook, ACED’s Project Manager for procurement and construction, expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing partnership with Vestas, stating, “ACED and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) have a relationship with Vestas which dates back to the inception of the wind energy industry in South Africa, in 2011. We are very pleased to be placing yet another order with Vestas, in service of our offtaker Rio Tinto, our shareholders, and the communities around our project.”
This enduring relationship underscores the trust and mutual benefits that have been developed over more than a decade of collaboration.
Vestas’ Commitment to South African Wind Power
Vestas’ Managing Director in South Africa, Novani Ganess-Johnson, also highlighted the company’s pride in continuing its work with ACED.
He emphasized the reliability and high-capacity factor of the V163-4.5 MW wind turbines, noting how these attributes provide customers with the business case certainty needed for successful projects in the country.
Vestas remains a leading player in the South African wind power market, boasting over 1.5 GW of capacity either installed or currently under construction.
This latest order further cements their position as a key contributor to the region’s renewable energy landscape.
Project Timeline and Future Outlook
The delivery of the wind turbines for the Khangela Emoyeni wind farm is expected by the first half of 2025, with commissioning planned for the first half of 2026.
This timeline reflects the strategic planning necessary to meet South Africa’s growing demand for renewable energy while supporting the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.