Tata Power, through its equal joint venture company with Exxaro, Cennergi (Pty.) Ltd., has achieved financial closure for its 134 MW Amakhala Emoyeni wind farm project in South Africa.
Tata Power, India's largest integrated power utility today announced the successful financial closure for its 134 MW Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Farm Project through its South African Joint Venture Company with Exxaro, Cennergi (Pty.) Ltd. The Company was selected as the 'preferred bidder' for the Amakhala wind farm project and the 95 MW Tsitsikamma wind farm project by the Department of Energy, Government of South Africa in 2012.
Cennergi have successfully tied up the entire debt requirement through a consortium of lenders, namely Standard Bank and International Finance Corporation with Standard Bank acting as the mandated lead arranger. The signing of financing agreements was pleted on May 9th, 2013. The Company also pleted pre-disbursement conditions under the financing agreements for availing Interim Disbursement and received the first loan disbursement on June 3rd, 2013. The project of approximately Rand 3945 million is being funded through a debt equity mix of 80:20. The project financing prises of equity of Rand 789 million and Rand Term Loans of 3156 million.
The Company's other 95 MW Tsitsikamma Community Wind Farm is also expected to achieve financial closure in a week. The wind projects will be located in Eastern Cape, South Africa and are expected to achieve mercial operations in 2016. Power Purchase Agreements and Implementation Agreements for these projects were signed with Eskom and Department of Energy, Government of South Africa respectively on May 9th, 2013.
Cennergi is 50:50 Joint Venture between South Africa's Exxaro Resources Limited ("Exxaro") and The Tata Power Company Limited ("Tata Power").
Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Anil Sardana, Chairman Cennergi & Managing Director, Tata Power, stated, "The signing of the financing agreements is a significant milestone for the project and we take this opportunity to thank our investors who have once again shown faith in Tata Power."
Cennergi, based in South Africa, focuses on the investigation of feasibility, development, ownership, operation, maintenance, acquisition, and management of electricity generation projects in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. The initial project pipeline focuses on renewable energy projects in Southern Africa and Cennergi's strategy is to create a balanced portfolio of generation assets.
Cennergi aims to be the leading cleaner energy independent power producer (IPP) in Southern Africa, serving an expanding energy market. The Company's diverse project portfolio confirms its mitment to both people and planet.