Suzlon Energy strikes first South Africa wind turbine deal

Wind turbine manufacturer Suzlon Energy today announced its entry into the South African market with a deal for supplying turbines for a proposed wind farm of African Clean Energy Developments (ACED).

Suzlon will undertake supply and full engineering project contract for 76 of Suzlon's S88 V 2MW series turbines, with an option for ACED to acquire an additional 124 turbines for the Cookhouse wind energy facility, Suzlon said in a release.

The wind farm will be located in the small rural town of Cookhouse in Eastern Cape Province and the deal assures power offtake by the agency at the tariffs for renewable energy being offered by South Africa.

"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," Thomas Donnelly, managing director of ACED, said.

Suzlon chief executive Tulsi R Tanti, who is in the South African town in connection with the signing of the deal, said his company is also in talks with four more clients in South Africa.

"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 nation's growth: green jobs, energy generation and inclusive, sustainable growth," Tulsi R Tanti, founder, chairman and managing director of Suzlon Group, said.