NEWS

The provincial governments of South Africa’s Eastern Cape and Northern Cape have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term framework for cooperation around the 940 MW Koruson renewable energy cluster.

The agreement was signed at the Phezukomoya Wind Energy Farm in Noupoort in the presence of senior government officials, district municipality representatives and project stakeholders. The MOU seeks to strengthen coordination between the two provinces because the Koruson development extends across their administrative boundaries.

The Koruson renewable energy cluster consists of Koruson 1 and Koruson 2 and has been developed through partnerships involving EDF Power Solutions and Envusa Energy. The project’s infrastructure, labor catchment areas and beneficiary communities are spread across both provinces, creating a need for coordinated government planning and implementation.

Under the agreement, the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape governments will work closely with the Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality in the Northern Cape and the Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The framework will support joint planning, project implementation, monitoring and coordination over the operational life of the renewable energy development.

The Koruson cluster is also expected to contribute to South Africa’s clean energy capacity and grid stability while supporting socio-economic development in surrounding communities. Community initiatives associated with the project include youth employment, support for local enterprises, healthcare training through Community Health Ambassadors and assistance for emerging agricultural producers.

Eastern Cape Economic Development MEC Nonkqubela Pieters said the partnership would help use renewable energy investments to strengthen local infrastructure, improve workforce skills and support sustainable economic development.

The MOU is intended to provide a long-term mechanism for cooperation beyond individual project activities. By aligning provincial governments, municipalities and private-sector developers, the framework aims to improve coordination and support more consistent economic and social benefits from the Koruson renewable energy cluster across both provinces.