Hive Hydrogen has secured a major milestone for its Carissa Wind Energy Facility near Beaufort West, Western Cape. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has granted the project environmental authorization, enabling it to proceed.
With a planned capacity of up to 1,000 megawatts, Carissa will feature 154 wind turbines. This makes it the largest wind energy facility ever permitted in South Africa, underscoring the country’s growing commitment to renewable energy.
The project is designed to supply clean power directly to Hive Hydrogen’s Coega Green Ammonia initiative in Nelson Mandela Bay. This link highlights South Africa’s ambitions to become a key global supplier in the emerging green hydrogen economy.
Officials have confirmed that the project will now advance to its front-end engineering design phase. This stage is crucial for detailing technical requirements and finalizing the development blueprint.
Construction on the Carissa facility is expected to begin in early 2027. If all goes according to plan, the wind farm will be commissioned and fully operational by December 2029.
The authorization represents a critical step in balancing South Africa’s energy needs with its climate goals. It signals a shift toward scaling up renewable infrastructure across the country.
For Beaufort West and the surrounding areas, the project is expected to bring economic benefits through job creation, investment, and long-term community development.
By supporting the Coega Green Ammonia project, Carissa also positions South Africa as a future exporter of clean energy solutions to international markets.
Industry experts note that the scale of Carissa demonstrates both investor confidence and government support for renewable energy. It sets a benchmark for future wind and hydrogen-linked projects in the region.
Overall, the Carissa Wind Energy Facility stands as a landmark project pioneering South Africa’s renewable transformation while boosting its global energy profile.