In a major boost for South Africa’s renewable energy sector, Independent Power Producer (IPP) Red Rocket has successfully reached financial close and started construction of Phase 2 of the Overberg Wind Farm, marking a key milestone in the nation’s clean energy transition.
Located 12km west of Swellendam in the Western Cape, the landmark 400MW is set to become South Africa’s largest wind farm, the second largest in Africa, and will rank among the top fifteen worldwide upon completion.
The initiative strengthens South Africa’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity while supporting major corporations in reducing their carbon footprint, in fact, with 1 239 GWh it’s also the largest wind farm with private off takers in the world, which will supply clean energy to multiple businesses through a multi-off-taker arrangement.
Phase 1 of Overberg Wind Farm, which started construction in March 2025, is projected to generate 750GWh of clean energy annually for Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). Phase 2 will introduce an additional 158MW nameplate capacity for Discovery Green, facilitating renewable power distribution to clients such as Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats), Fortress Real Estate Investments, and Balwin Properties via wheeling mechanisms. The second phase is expected to produce over 489GWh per year.
Red Rocket CEO Matteo Brambilla celebrated the achievement: “This marks an extraordinary milestone for Red Rocket. Reaching financial close for both phases of Overberg Wind Farm and commencing construction is a testament to the collective effort of our partners and reinforces our commitment to driving sustainability through private-sector-led solutions.”
Brambilla added: “Beyond its immediate impact, Overberg Wind Farm aligns with our broader ambition to expand renewable energy infrastructure across Africa and reaffirm our position as a leading IPP in our market. With 4GW of projects either operational, under construction, or approaching financial close, we are making a significant contribution to South Africa’s energy security and grid resilience.”
Upon completion, Overberg Wind Farm will feature 54 Goldwind GWH182/6.2MW turbines and nine Goldwind GWH182/7.2MW turbines, delivering a total installed capacity of 400MW. The project is financed by Absa Bank, Standard Bank, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
Overberg Wind Farm joins an impressive roster of industry firsts for Red Rocket, achieving several pioneering milestones:
• First REIPPPP success: The first IPP from REIPPPP Bid Window Five to reach commercial operations for two of its projects, Brandvalley Wind Farm and Rietkloof Wind Farm, both with a 144MW nameplate capacity.
• Largest wind farm supplying Eskom: Roggeveld Wind Farm, with a 147MW nameplate capacity, began commercial operations in 2022 as the largest wind farm providing power to Eskom at the time.
• Record-breaking solar project: Virginia Solar Park, at the time of construction commencement in 2024, was regarded as the largest grid-connected solar project in South Africa with a 275MW nameplate capacity.
• Innovation in wind technology: Wolf Wind Farm, under construction, is the first wind project in Africa to utilise the revolutionary Vestas V163-4.5MW turbine model. The use of these turbines for this 85MW project in the Eastern Cape will improve efficiency in medium-to-low wind conditions compared with existing technology.
• Wildlife protection in renewables: Launched South Africa’s first automated bird protection system. This advanced technology enables real-time detection and turbine shutdowns to protect vulnerable bird species. The system is fully installed and operational at Brandvalley and Rietkloof Wind Farms and will be installed in all projects coming online.
