May 25, 2011
Suzlon announces first South Africa framework agreement for up to 200 wind turbines
- Supply and EPC contract for 76 S88 turbines
- Option for additional 124 turbines
Pune / Johannesburg: Suzlon Energy Limited, the worlds fifth largest* wind
turbine supplier, has signed a contract with African Clean Energy Developments
("ACED"), a joint venture between African Infrastructure Investment Managers (a
company held by Old Mutual Investment Group (South Africa) and Macquarie
Capital) and AFPOC Limited, for the supply and full EPC for 76 of Suzlons S88 2
MW series turbines, with an option for ACED to acquire an additional 124 turbines for
the Cookhouse Wind Energy Facility.
The Cookhouse Wind Energy Facility is one of South Africa's leading renewable
energy projects, having received a positive Record of Decision from the Department
of Environment on 25th May 2010 for the erection of up to 200 wind turbines.
Mr. Thomas Donnelly, Managing Director ACED, said: African Clean Energy
Developments, along with its key stakeholders, are pleased to be working with
Suzlon Energy Limited on our flagship South African project, the Cookhouse Wind
Energy Facility.
Suzlon has demonstrated a clear commitment to the South African market, and to
local economic development and job creation, two key objectives of the Cookhouse
Wind Energy Facility.
Mr. Tulsi R. Tanti, founder, Chairman and Managing Director Suzlon Group,
said: South Africa is a rapidly growing economy and a very important market for us.
The country has immense wind energy resources and the Government of the
Republic of South Africa has demonstrated praiseworthy vision and leadership to
exploit this abundant renewable resource to power the nations growth: green jobs,
energy generation and inclusive, sustainable growth.
We are very excited by this opportunity to bring to the table our vast emerging
markets experience from India, China, Brazil and others. We are especially glad to
partner with a prestigious organization like ACED on our first project in South Africa.
Mr. Silas Zimu, CEO Suzlon South Africa, said: We at Suzlon are delighted to
be supporting what is arguably the lead project in South Africa in terms of quality
and development timelines. The Cookhouse facility will not only provide clean and
green energy, but also create many jobs and make a major contribution to local
economic development.
We are happy that ACED have faith in our services and recognize our commitment
to the South African wind market.
The contract is conditional to the Cookhouse Wind Energy Facility successfully
securing a PPA under the South African REFIT procurement process, due to
commence in the coming months, and the project successfully reaching financial
close and meeting other standard conditions. Based on current expectations for the
satisfaction of the main conditions, installation is expected to commence in late 2011
or early 2012.
ACED is working closely with its partner, the Industrial Development Corporation of
South Africa, and with its appointed Mandated Lead Arrangers, Standard Bank and
Nedbank Limited, to finalise a financing package which will include a significant
portion of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment ownership.
