PROPOSED NEW 132KV GRID CONNECTION AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE AUTHORISED EMOYENI WIND ENERGY FACILITIES, NEAR MURRAYSBURG, BEAUFORT WEST AND UBUNTU LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES AND CENTRAL KAROO AND PIXELY KA SEME DISTRICT MUNICIPALITIES

The authorised Khangela Emoyeni and Umsinde Emoyeni Wind Energy Facilities (DFFE Ref: 14/12/16/3/3/2/687 and DFFE Ref:.14/12/16/3/3/2/686) have been selected as preferred bidder projects via private off take (i.e. private power purchase) procurement processes.

The grid connection infrastructure for these two wind farm projects was previously assessed and authorised by the DFFE (DFFE Ref:14/12/16/3/3/2/684 and DFFE Ref:.14/12/16/3/3/2/685). However, following receipt of the relevant Environmental Authorisations for the grid connection infrastructure for the Umsinde and Khangela Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility, it was noted that several listed activities that were relevant to the grid infrastructure had not been considered, therefore a new Basic Assessment process will be undertaken that will now consider all the applicable listed activities as per the EIA Regulations. In addition, based on further technical analysis and liaison with Eskom it was determined that the previously authorised powerline routing is no longer optimal/suitable, and would need to be revised/optimized for the final layout and to comply with financial close requirements. A new Basic Assessment will therefore be undertaken to assess the revised (re-optimised) layout as well as all applicable listed activities, including the listed activities omitted from the original BA process.The proposed grid connection infrastructure will span between the Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces.