Image: Gallo/Thinkstock

No Caption

The construction of the large scale project is expected to take 12 to 15 months.

And Tanti is optimistic that his company will win further contracts for wind turbines as the second round of renewable bidding comes up in March, saying that for the second round, the group expects further opportunities to develop good wind projects.

Last December Energy Minister Dipuo Peters announced her Department's approval of the Cookhouse project to be carried out by Suzlon Group - the world's fifth largest wind turbine supplier. This project will utilize Suzlon's 2.1 MW turbines.

The Cookhouse Wind Energy Facility is one of the country's leading renewable energy projects, having received a positive Record of Decision from the Department of Environment for the erection of up to 200 wind turbines - enough to power over 88,000 homes.

Suzlon announced its partnership with African Clean Energy Developments (ACED), African Infrastructure Investment Managers - a company held by Old Mutual Investment Group (South Africa) and Macquarie Capital) - and AFPOC Limited earlier in 2011.

Working closely with its partner, the Industrial Development Corporation, and with its appointed Mandated Lead Arrangers, Standard Bank and Nedbank Limited, ACED finalised a financing package which notably includes a significant portion of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment ownership.

"Wind energy creates a lot of good value for the economy, society and the environment and is a major job creator in the rural areas," he said.

He added that many wind projects are located in rural areas, and not only does it give people access to energy, Suzlon has seen from projects in India, China and Brazil that there have been huge benefits to the agri-economy.

"Wind projects have given a huge boost to agriculture," he said.

He sees the Cookhouse facility creating almost a thousand jobs in SA over the next three years - not only in the initial construction, but also the maintenance of the project which it will operate for 25 years, as well as jobs for manufacturing.

Tanti, who has just returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said the outcome of the conference was very positive for the BRICS states and Mexico. He said key challenges going forward for governments in these regions would be water, food and energy.

He added that the prospects for wind energy in SA were very positive. "We observed a very strong commitment by the South African government and it understands the global complexities and how to develop the SA economy," he said.

He added that the government is fully committed to renewable energy, and particularly wind energy.

"Minister Peters is very committed and interested in bringing these renewable energy projects and creating jobs," he said.

"South Africa needs more energy and it also needs thousands of decent and sustainable 'green' jobs. The wind energy sector is well positioned to deliver both of these requirements and more," he concluded.