The wind projects committed 1.5% of its total revenue towards socio-economic development and 0.6% to developing local enterprises. A community trust holds 5% of the shares in the project company. Loeriesfontein is the beneficiary community for both projects.
More info on the project website http://loeriesfonteinwind.co.za/ and http://khobabwind.co.za/
The Loeriesfontein Wind Farm is a 138.23MW wind farm comprising of 61 Siemens SWT-2.3-108 turbines. The Khobab Wind Farms is a 137.74MW wind farm comprising of 61 Siemens SWT-2.3-108 turbines. The Department of Energy approved the two projects in Round 3 of the REIPPPP. Both wind farms are situated on farmland 62km from the town of Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape province and are expected to be fully operational December 2017.
The wind projects committed 1.5% of their total revenue towards socio-economic development and 0.6% to developing local enterprises. A community trust holds 5% of the shares in each project company. Loeriesfontein is the beneficiary community for both projects.
More info on the project website http://loeriesfonteinwind.co.za/ and http://khobabwind.co.za/
Community benefit highlights
- Revamping bedrooms at Loeriesfontein School Hostel
- Renewable Energy Awareness Program at Loeriesfontein High School
- Donation of Gr 10 Life Sciences Text Books to Loeriesfontein High School
- Grade 11 & 12 High School Learners interactive site visit
- Scholarship opportunity for 24 community members to become security officers (levels E to C)
What is the community benefit money spend on?
Community development resources invested to date
Socio-Economic Development |
R0.18 mil |
Enterprise Development |
R 0 mil |
Community ownership
The Loeriesfontein and Khobab Renewable Energy Community Trust, which owns 5% of the wind farms came into existence through loans; 50% from the Development Bank of South Africa and 50% from Company’s Shareholders. The community development trust will, in the initial phase, pay back the loan before the benefits starts flowing into the community. The community trust will focus on Education, Health, Agricultural, Sports and cultural, and Social Welfare development.