Written By: Faith Jemosop
Red Rocket, a leading independent power producer, has officially launched two of South Africa’s largest onshore wind farms, the Rietkloof and Brandvalley projects adding a combined capacity of 288 megawatts (MW) to the national grid.
These facilities, now fully operational, mark a significant step in South Africa’s transition toward renewable energy and stand as the first commissioned projects from the country’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) Round 5.
Together, the wind farms are expected to generate 585 gigawatt hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually, enough to power more than 200,000 South African homes and reduce over 600,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
Landmark Projects Achieve Commercial Operation
The Rietkloof Wind Farm, located between Matjiesfontein and Sutherland in the Western Cape, began operations on April 23, 2025. The following day, April 24, saw the commissioning of the Brandvalley Wind Farm in the adjacent Northern Cape. Each site boasts 32 state of the art Vestas V150-4.5MW turbines, bringing the total number of turbines to 64 across both locations.
With a total generation capacity of 288 MW, the two projects are now among the most substantial wind energy initiatives to reach commercial operation in South Africa under REIPPPP.
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Their success reflects growing investor confidence in the country’s renewable sector and provides critical support to South Africa’s overstretched power system, which continues to suffer from frequent load shedding due to the aging coal fleet.
Impact on The Local Communities
Red Rocket emphasized its commitment to local development throughout the construction phase. The projects were executed in partnership with South African engineering and construction firms Power Construction and Besamandla. These collaborations not only ensured the creation of skilled and semi skilled jobs during the development phase but also prioritized community involvement.
Over the course of construction, the two sites employed more than 1,000 local workers, contributing to regional socio-economic upliftment in both the Western and Northern Cape. The wind farms are also expected to continue generating local economic benefits through operational jobs and community trust contributions.
Red Rocket CEO Matteo Brambilla noted, “Our focus has always been to not only bring clean energy to the grid but also to deliver sustainable, inclusive economic growth. These projects exemplify that mission leveraging South African talent and empowering surrounding communities.”
Advanced Turbines Help Maximize Output
Each of the turbines used in the Rietkloof and Brandvalley Wind Farms features Vestas’ V150-4.5MW platform, known for its high efficiency, long rotor diameter (150 meters), and reduced cost of energy. The turbines stand at approximately 125 meters hub height, optimized for the specific wind conditions in the Karoo region.
The V150 series is designed to perform optimally in low- to medium-wind regions and is among the most frequently deployed turbines in Africa’s growing wind sector. The choice of this technology allows the wind farms to maximize generation while minimizing environmental impact.
Part of South Africa’s Renewable Plan
The successful commissioning of these two wind farms is also a symbolic victory for South Africa’s REIPPPP, which had experienced delays and uncertainties in recent years. REIPPPP Round 5, launched in 2021, aimed to procure over 2.6 GW of renewable capacity, split between wind and solar PV.
The Rietkloof and Brandvalley projects were among the first to reach financial close in late 2022 and have now become the first to achieve commercial operation under this round.
Their success sets a precedent for the remaining projects in Round 5 and underscores the critical role that private sector-led initiatives play in stabilizing and decarbonizing South Africa’s energy mix.
Energy analyst Thandiwe Mahlangu remarked, “The Red Rocket wind farms are proof that the REIPPPP framework, when effectively supported, can deliver high-impact, fast-tracked clean energy solutions. They’re a vote of confidence in South Africa’s renewable energy landscape.”
A Timely Solution for Energy Security and Climate Goals
South Africa’s energy sector is currently under immense pressure. With the national utility Eskom facing deteriorating coal infrastructure and recurring power outages, the country’s need for reliable, clean energy has never been more urgent.
Renewable energy sources, especially wind and solar, are viewed as a strategic avenue to enhance energy security while meeting the country’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
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The combined output of 585 GWh from the Rietkloof and Brandvalley wind farms will not only offset a significant portion of fossil fuel-based electricity but also contribute directly to South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) goals, which aim to reduce coal’s share in the national energy mix from 77% to below 60% by 2030.
In a country with abundant wind corridors, particularly in the Western and Northern Cape, the potential for scaling up wind energy is immense. Projects like those developed by Red Rocket are paving the way for a diversified, resilient energy future.
What Red Rocket Plans Next
With the success of these two flagship wind projects, Red Rocket has cemented its reputation as a leading player in South Africa’s independent power production sector. The company’s project pipeline includes additional wind and solar installations, with ambitions to expand further across sub-Saharan Africa.
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On its official website, Red Rocket confirmed ongoing work on other REIPPPP Round 5 projects and indicated its readiness to participate in upcoming procurement rounds, including the long-awaited Round 6, which is expected to prioritize battery storage and hybrid systems.
“Our mission is to bring accessible, reliable, and sustainable energy to every corner of the continent,” said Brambilla. “We believe Africa has the resources, talent, and need to become a global clean energy powerhouse.”
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The powering up of the Rietkloof and Brandvalley Wind Farms represents more than just turbines turning in the Karoo. It symbolizes progress, resilience, and the growing momentum of South Africa’s renewable energy journey.
With strong local partnerships, cutting edge technology, and a clear vision for a low-carbon future, Red Rocket’s projects offer a glimpse into what is possible when innovation meets determination.
As energy challenges persist and climate risks escalate, projects like these stand out as timely solutions not just for electricity generation, but for economic inclusion, environmental stewardship, and national renewal.
