The third 155-MW phase of Seriti Green’s giant Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm, which is visibly changing the electricity landscape in South Africa’s coal heartland of Mpumalanga, has entered into construction after advancing to financial close.

Seriti Green is majority owned by Seriti Resources, a black-owned coal mining company, with large operations in the province that supply coal to Eskom's Kriel, Tutuka, Lethabo, Kendal and Duvha power stations, as well as some export markets.

The initial two phases reached financial close in 2024 and August 2025 respectively, and Seriti Green reports that 25 wind turbines have already been installed near Bethal, Davel and Morgenzon.

The first 155-MW phase of the flagship development is said to be almost complete and will begin delivering electricity in early 2026, while the third phase advanced to financial close after securing long-term funding from Standard Bank, RMB and ABSA.

Designed as a seven-phase, 900 MW renewables development, Ummbila Emoyeni’s first three phases, representing a combined 465 MW, are now under construction.

The full project will comprise five wind farms, a solar PV generator and a battery storage facility, while construction also includes the largest new main transmission substation built in Mpumalanga for over 20 years.

A third of the electricity generated will power Seriti Resources’ mining operations, while the remaining two-thirds will be traded through the NOA Group and Energy Exchange of Southern Africa.

CEO Peter Venn said in a statement that the third phase marked a major milestone in South Africa’s just energy transition to support coal communities as the country shifted to a greater reliance on renewable electricity.

He reported that thousands of people were gaining skills and employment in the renewables sector, with on-site employment having reached 1 200 and expected to grow to 2 000 as construction continues.

“Wind power in Mpumalanga was once thought impossible. Today, it is a reality,” Venn enthused.

“With more than R15-billion invested, over 2 GW of renewable capacity in the Mpumalanga pipeline, and active partnerships with government, financiers and communities, Seriti Green is proving that South Africa’s energy future can be inclusive, ambitious and deliverable,” the company added.