Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 18, The Carissa Wind Energy Facility near Beaufort West in the Western Cape has secured its Environmental Authorisation (EA), marking a key milestone in South Africa’s renewable energy sector. With a planned capacity of up to 1,000 MW across 154 turbines, it is now the largest permitted wind energy project in the country. The facility will supply power to Hive Hydrogen’s Coega Green Ammonia project in Nelson Mandela Bay, contributing significantly to green hydrogen production.
The project’s progress reflects effective collaboration among Hive Hydrogen, AMDA Developments, and Blue Crane Environmental. Hive Hydrogen is the committed off-taker for the project, AMDA served as the developer, and Blue Crane Environmental acted as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner. Blue Crane led the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), ensuring thorough reviews, public consultation, and compliance with environmental standards. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment approved the process under the Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP) framework, enabling streamlined authorisation.
Hive Hydrogen South Africa Chairman Thulani Gcabashe expressed appreciation for the achievement: “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 quality of the studies is outstanding and the specialists engaged were exceptional.” He noted that the EIA process for Hive Hydrogen’s 3,300 MW renewable energy portfolio is now complete, allowing the R105 billion Coega Green Ammonia project to advance into Front End Engineering Design. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with commissioning planned for December 2029.
Piero Granelli, Head of AMDA’s South African operations, highlighted the milestone’s significance: “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 5,000 MW. 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.”
Blue Crane Environmental directors Marélie Botha and Lisa de Lange added: “This authorisation is the outcome of true teamwork. Our close coordination with specialists and AMDA’s development team ensured every aspect of the project was carefully considered, with responsible development at the forefront. This well-managed process is something we are extremely proud of.”
The Carissa Wind Energy Facility will play a crucial role in powering South Africa’s green hydrogen economy. Its output will support Hive Hydrogen’s ammonia facility at the Port of Ngqura, positioning the country as a strong contender in sustainable energy production. The project sets a model for transparent, environmentally responsible development and demonstrates how collaboration can accelerate progress in renewable energy.
Hive Hydrogen, supported by Hive Energy and Built Africa, has been developing the Coega Green Ammonia project since 2019. The plant will produce one million tons of ammonia annually, with Front End Engineering Design beginning in late 2025 and Final Investment Decision expected by mid-2026. Hive Energy, headquartered in the United Kingdom, operates globally with projects in solar, hydrogen, and circular economy solutions, while Built Africa continues to expand renewable energy development in South Africa.
