September 2025, Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa
The Carissa Wind Energy Facility, located near Beaufort West in the Western Cape, has achieved a major milestone by securing it’s Environmental Authorisation (EA).
With a capacity of up to 1,000 MW and comprised of 154 wind turbines the Carissa Wind Energy Facility will help power Coega Green Ammonia in Nelson Mandela Bay and is now officially the largest permitted wind energy facility in South Africa, marking a transformative step in the country’s renewable energy transition and the production of green hydrogen.
A Triumph of Collaboration and Environmental Stewardship
The successful permitting of the Carissa Wind Energy Facility is the result of a seamless partnership between Hive Hydrogen (the Coega Green Ammonia project sponsor which is the committed off-taker), AMDA Developments (the project developer), and Blue Crane Environmental, the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) responsible for leading the rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
Blue Crane Environmental’ s team of experts, renowned for their work in renewable energy assessments across South Africa, ensured a transparent, thorough, and efficient permitting process. Their robust public participation strategy addressed stakeholder concerns, while detailed specialist reports mitigated environmental impacts to acceptable standards. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) endorsed the process, granting Environmental Approval within a streamlined timeframe under the project’s Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP) status.
Leadership Insights
Thulani Gcabashe, Chairman of Hive Hydrogen South Africa remarked “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.
This concludes the EIA work on all of the Hive Hydrogen’s 3300MW of renewable energy assets and the R105bn Coega Green Ammonia project can now commence with its Front End Engineering Design. The project remains on track to start construction in early 2027 with a commissioning date in December 2029. Congratulations to all involved”.
Piero Granelli, Head of AMDA’s South African operations, highlighted the project’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.”
Marélie Botha and Lisa de Lange, Directors of Blue Crane Environmental, emphasised the power of collaboration: “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.”
Powering South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions
The Carissa Wind Energy Facility will play a pivotal role in South Africa’s emerging green hydrogen economy. Its clean energy will supply Hive Hydrogen’s pioneering green ammonia production facility in the Port of Ngqura (Coega), Eastern Cape. This initiative positions South Africa as a key global player in sustainable energy innovation.
A Model for Sustainable Development
The Carissa Wind Energy Facility’s EA is more than a regulatory milestone—it’s a testament to how collaboration, transparency, and environmental commitment can drive meaningful progress in renewable energy. By aligning industry expertise, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable practices, the project sets a benchmark for future wind energy developments in South Africa and beyond.
About Hive Hydrogen
Hive Hydrogen backed by Hive Energy and Built Africa has been working since September 2019 on establishing a large-scale Green Ammonia plant in South Africa powered by renewable energy to produce 1,000,000 tons a year .
The Coega Green Ammonia Project is in its final stage of development and is on track to commence Front End Engineering Design in November 2025 and conclude Final Investment Decisions by July 2026.
Hive Energy headquartered in Hampshire, United Kingdom, with offices in 22 countries have developed more than 3000 MW of grid connected Solar PV Plants on 50+ Solar Sites and over 40 industrial, commercial Solar Rooftop sites. Hive Energy also has large scale Green Hydrogen development projects in Spain, Chile and Turkey.
Hive Energy is delivering transformational change for a cleaner future – delivering world-class solar and wind projects, helping build the Hydrogen economy and smart solutions across the circular economy
The BuiltAfrica Group, located in Waterfall Point Office Park in Midrand near Johannesburg was founded in 2008 by Thulani Gcabashe to develop and invest in renewable energy projects. Thulani has held positions as former chairman of Standard Bank Group (2015–2022), Imperial Holdings Limited (2008–2015), MTN Zakhele Limited (2010–2015), and CEO of Eskom (2000–2007).
The Built Africa Group focuses on developing renewable energy projects in South Africa, having successfully participated in the South African government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) with two large scale solar generation plants – building and operating the plants.
Media Enquiries
Veronique Grey – email : veronique.grey@hivehydrogen.com
Aerial view, carissa wind farm
