Gestamp Wind ready to build more wind farms
Dionisio Fernandez, CEO of Gestamp
Wind said “We have strong confidence
in the South African REIPP programme
despite temporary delays in the Round
3 closing and the announcement of
Round 4 . The group is continuing with
its projects and investments in South
Africa by opening the biggest wind tower
factory on the African continent this
month”.
Gestamp Wind is the only integrated
player that is supplying both wind
energy and industrial manufacturing
components to South Africa, testament
to its long term confidence and
commitment to the REIPP programme in
South Africa. Mr. Fernandez added “with
this investment South Africa does not
need to import any further steel towers
for its Renewable Energy Programme
and demonstrates that we have been
effective in assisting the South African
government with fulfilling one of the
key objectives of the programme, which
is establishing local manufacturing
facilities, job creation and transfer of
skills in South Africa.
Gestamp Wind launched its worldwide sustainability report 2013 in
South Africa today, which showcases
the Noblesfontein Wind Farm socio
economic and enterprise development
project as the model to be implemented
world-wide. Through the Noblesfontein
Educational Trust the company trained
36 learners in electrical, electronic and
plumbing skills in a 3 year programme,
while the Noblesfontein Enterprise
Development Trust established SMME
businesses in security, birds and bats
monitoring, repairs and maintenance,
with more opportunities continuously
being identified. AD
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Gestamp Wind entered South Africa in 2010. In 2011 it was
awarded the tender for the construction of a 73,8 MW wind
farm located in the Karoo area on the farm Noblesfontein
near Victoria West. The wind farm, with an approximate
investment of R1.5-billion, was delivered on time and on
budget and became operational during the second quarter of
2014. Gestamp Wind is also participating in Round 4 of the
REIPP public tender process for another wind project of 102
MW, giving continuity and further impetus to its long term
strategy in South Africa.
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