EDF Energies Nouvelles has been selected as "preferred bidder" by the South African Department of Energy for three wind power projects. These projects were allocated as part of the second bidding round for renewable energy projects, launched in South Africa in August 2011. These three projects represent a total capacity of 104 MW.

The Chaba (20.6 MW), Waainek (23.3 MW) and Grassridge (59.8 MW) wind farm projects are located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. They will be equipped with Vestas turbines, each with 3 MW in unit capacity. The construction should start in 2013 to reach commissioning in late 2014. The financial close will be completed in 2013.

Keen to leverage on highly favourable sun and wind conditions, the South African authorities planned to develop a total installed base of 3,725 MW in renewable energies by 2016. In line with this policy, the South African government launched a global call for tenders with several rounds for the allocation of solar, biomass, hydro and wind power projects across the country. 

"We are delighted to have been selected and given this opportunity to contribute to the development of wind power in South Africa" commented Fabienne Demol, Director of New Business at EDF Energies Nouvelles. "This latest success demonstrates EDF EN's ability to develop projects that fully meet requirements and respond to local needs, while retaining the same high quality and profitability standards like all other group's investments."

Continuing its development strategy and in order to participate in the various rounds of the South African call for tenders, EDF Energies Nouvelles established a partnership in 2011 with local developer InnoWind, in which it took an 80% stake, as well as with other partners, including an organization enabling to share projects benefits with local communities.The implementation of these projects in South Africa, 60% of which are held by InnoWind, will enable EDF Energies Nouvelles to strenghten its geographical presence in a new country offering the guarantees, visibility and perspectives that EDF EN is looking for and which contribute to the strength of its growth model.

About EDF Energies Nouvelles

Operating in Europe and North America, EDF Energies Nouvelles is a market leader in green electricity production, with a portfolio of 4,200 MW of gross installed capacity. With a development focused on wind and solar photovoltaic energy, the Company recently entered 3 new promising markets: Israel, Morocco and South Africa, and is expanding its business in offshore wind energy. The Company is also present in other segments of the renewable energy market: marine energy, biogas, biomass and small hydro as well as in distributed energies. EDF EN manages renewable energy projects' development, financing, construction as well as operation and maintenance for its own accord and for third parties. EDF Energies Nouvelles is a subsidiary of the EDF Group and its renewable energy arm.

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