Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 6, A 1GW wind farm in South Africa’s Western Cape has received approval, becoming the country’s largest permitted wind energy project. The 154-turbine Carissa Wind Energy Facility (WEF), developed by AMDA Developments, will be located near Beaufort West.

The project secured environmental authorisation (EA) following a full environmental impact assessment carried out by Blue Crane Environmental. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) endorsed the process and granted approval under a streamlined timeline, supported by the project’s designation as a Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP).

Head of AMDA’s South African operations, Piero Granelli, said: “Development projects always present unique challenges, but we are thrilled to have successfully navigated this milestone. Since 2010, AMDA has grown its renewable energy portfolio in South Africa to over 5000MW. We commend Blue Crane for their dedication to meeting strict permitting timelines without compromising on environmental integrity, and we appreciate the DFFE’s clear guidance throughout the process.”

The Carissa WEF will play a key role in supplying clean electricity for Hive Hydrogen South Africa. Power generated from the wind farm will be directed to Hive Hydrogen’s green ammonia production facility in the Port of Ngqura (Coega), Eastern Cape. The integration of renewable energy into green hydrogen and ammonia production is expected to enhance the country’s clean energy transition.

Hive Hydrogen South Africa chairman, Thulani Gcabashe, welcomed the development: “We are delighted that our Carissa wind project has achieved this major milestone. We have been constantly impressed by the professionalism, thoroughness and efficiency of the environmental impact assessment conducted by Blue Crane and managed by AMDA.”

The Carissa WEF highlights South Africa’s commitment to expanding renewable capacity and developing large-scale projects that contribute to long-term sustainability. With 1GW capacity, it stands as a significant addition to the country’s clean energy portfolio, demonstrating progress in diversifying power generation and meeting rising demand.

Through cooperation between project developers, environmental specialists, and government agencies, the project was able to move through the authorisation process efficiently. Its SIP status provided a framework for timely approvals while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

The collaboration between AMDA and Hive Hydrogen underlines the link between renewable electricity generation and green hydrogen development. By aligning the wind farm’s output with hydrogen production, the Carissa WEF adds strategic value to both the energy and industrial sectors.

As construction progresses, the project is expected to deliver benefits in terms of clean energy supply, local economic participation, and environmental responsibility. It marks a milestone for South Africa’s renewable energy industry, setting a benchmark for future projects of similar scale.

The Carissa wind farm reflects the growing integration of renewable energy into broader industrial applications, strengthening South Africa’s role in emerging clean energy markets and advancing sustainable growth in the region.