Mpumalanga’s Energy Evolution: How Coal Veterans Are Powering South Africa’s Renewable Future

Seamless Skills Transfer Fuels Mpumalanga’s Wind Energy Boom

In South Africa’s traditional coal heartland of Mpumalanga, a remarkable energy transition is unfolding as experienced coal professionals smoothly pivot to renewable energy development. Seriti Green, majority-owned by black-owned coal mining company Seriti Resources, is demonstrating how existing fossil fuel expertise can accelerate rather than hinder the shift to clean energy.

CEO Peter Venn reports that the company’s initial team of 17 professionals, which has since grown to 65, predominantly joined from the coal industry. “Their vast experience from the coal mining sector has been invaluable,” Venn emphasizes, noting that this existing knowledge base has been central to the company’s rapid progress since its official launch in 2023.

Strategic Wind Development in Coal Country

Seriti Green is implementing an ambitious multiphase program to install 750 MW of wind capacity across private farms near the towns of Bethal, Davel, and Morgenzon. The company has already achieved financial close for three 155 MW phases of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm, with the first phase’s entire 500 GWh annual output contracted to power Seriti Resources’ eight coal mines.

The subsequent phases have secured licensed traders Energy Exchange of Southern Africa and the NOA Group as offtakers, supported by debt financing from major financial institutions including Absa, RMB, and Standard Bank.

Local Employment and Economic Benefits

What makes this transition particularly significant is its local impact. More than 50% of the workforce currently building the projects has been recruited from surrounding communities, with construction expected to continue for seven years while providing stable employment for over 1,200 people., according to industry developments

“The entrepreneurial energy emerging from this transition is incredible,” Venn notes, pointing to companies like HMI Projects, established by local entrepreneur Freddie Mkhwanazi. The company now employs approximately 20 people and holds the contract for wire fixing across all wind turbine foundations.

Technical Specifications and Project Scale

The wind farms feature Goldwind turbines with impressive specifications:

• Nameplate capacity of 6.2 MW per turbine
• 91-meter blade length
• 221-meter total height (approaching Johannesburg’s Carlton Centre height)
• Expected capacity factor above 38%

Across all approved phases, 122 turbines will transform the Mpumalanga skyline, with 14 already standing and Venn optimistic about completing the first phase’s 25 turbines by Christmas.

Economic Advantages and Grid Integration

The renewable energy generated will provide Seriti Resources’ coal mines with electricity at a “substantial discount” to prevailing Eskom tariffs. Despite Mpumalanga not being traditionally known for wind resources, Venn confirms that consistency of wind patterns will deliver production yields comparable to windier regions of the country.

All projects will connect to the Eskom grid through Seriti Green’s self-built Vunumoya Main Transmission Substation and Numoya Distribution Substation, scheduled for handover to the National Transmission Company South Africa in November.

Broader Renewable Vision and Local Commitment

These initial wind farms represent just the beginning of Seriti Green’s R35-billion renewables and storage rollout in the province. The comprehensive plan includes:, as our earlier report

• 150 MW solar PV generation
• 800 MWh battery storage facility
• Potential expansion to 3 GW wind capacity over the coming decade

The company has demonstrated long-term commitment by establishing its headquarters in Bethal, renovating a former bus depot into its main office, and exploring opportunities to increase local content through nacelle assembly and concrete tower manufacturing.

Government Collaboration and Policy Considerations

Venn highlights the enthusiastic support from local authorities, with four mayors actively involved through monthly progress meetings. However, he identifies areas for policy improvement, particularly regarding municipal rezoning fees that in Bethal were “about eight times what we have paid in other provinces.”

He suggests developing special municipal rates for renewable-energy projects to ensure municipalities don’t suffer financial losses from rezoning, which could create future resistance to similar developments.

Proving the Just Energy Transition Concept

“What has made me the happiest about this project is the way government has accepted us and supported us with open arms,” Venn states. The successful integration of coal industry professionals into renewable energy development, combined with local job creation and infrastructure development, provides a tangible example of how the Just Energy Transition can deliver meaningful benefits for South Africa.

As Venn concludes, “By building infrastructure and creating jobs we are proving that the Just Energy Transition can deliver for South Africa.” The Mpumalanga wind projects stand as a compelling case study in how energy transitions can build on existing expertise while creating new economic opportunities in traditional energy communities.

This article aggregates information from publicly available sources. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners.

Note: Featured image is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any specific product, service, or entity mentioned in this article.