In a landmark agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the Northern Cape Provincial Government, to establish a framework for long-term inter-provincial cooperation to support sustainable development, economic growth, and the successful implementation of strategic renewable energy projects across the two provinces.

The MOU, signed on 10 September 2026, on the Phezukomoya Wind Energy Farm (WEF) in Noupoort, was developed in response to the unique cross-boundary nature of the Koruson renewable energy cluster, which spans both provinces and includes the Koruson 1 and Koruson 2 projects, developed by EDF power solutions and Envusa Energy respectively.

The signing formed part of an event attended by senior provincial government representatives of the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, representatives of district municipalities and Koruson project stakeholders. The agreement was signed by Northern Cape OTP Director-General: Mr Justice Bekebeke and Eastern Cape OTP Acting Director-General: Mr Mahlubandile Qwase. 

The MOU establishes a structured mechanism for collaboration between the two provincial governments and supports closer coordination with the Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality in the Northern Cape and the Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The agreement will facilitate coordinated planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of development initiatives aimed at maximising the long-term benefits of renewable energy investments for communities in both provinces.

The Koruson projects' infrastructure, beneficiary communities, labour-sending areas, and long-term Economic Development (ED) and Socio-Economic Development (SED) commitments, extend across both provinces, creating a need for coordinated provincial engagement and oversight throughout the lifespan of the projects.

Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC for the Eastern Cape, Ms. Nonkqubela Pieters, said that the significance of the agreement lies not only in the renewable energy facilities, but in the reality that the footprint of these projects extends across municipal and provincial borders.

“We welcome the investment because it brings opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development, skills development, local enterprise participation and long-term community benefit. Success cannot be measured only in megawatts generated or infrastructure installed, it must ultimately be measured by whether communities experience real and lasting development outcomes,” said Pieters.

The Director General of the Northern Cape Office of the Premier, Advocate Justice Bekebeke, commended the Koruson Cluster, implemented by EDF power solutions & Envusa Energy: “The projects will go a long way to help government's efforts of energy security in South Africa and in the two provinces in particular. The development of  renewable energy infrastructure will ensure that load shedding and  electricity reduction are things of the past.”

The framework also provides for collaboration on stakeholder engagement, community development, safety, security and emergency response matters where joint provincial coordination may be required. Importantly, it creates an enabling environment for the proposed consolidated Koruson Trust, through which EDF power solutions and Envusa Energy intend to align and optimise development programmes and resources across the Koruson cluster.

A range of socio-economic development initiatives are being implemented by the Koruson cluster across both provinces, with a focus on youth development, healthcare, enterprise development, agriculture and community capacity building.

Current focus areas include the training of Community Health Ambassadors to strengthen local healthcare services and improve youth employability, enterprise development initiatives aimed at supporting local SMMEs and creating economic opportunities, livestock development programmes that assist emerging farmers to improve productivity and access to markets, and capacity-building interventions that strengthen community organisations and their ability to address local social challenges. Current interventions, though at initial stage, focus on strengthening local systems, skills development, job creation and enterprise development.

Collectively, these initiatives are designed to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy investment translate into meaningful and sustainable development outcomes for communities in the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.

The Koruson Cluster has provided the catalyst for the agreement, but the strategic value of the MOU extends well beyond the projects themselves. It creates a foundation for sustained collaboration between the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape Provincial Governments, EDF power solutions and Envusa Energy, supporting inclusive economic development and more effective coordination across current and future renewable energy investments in the region.

In addition to supporting the implementation of Koruson commitments, the MOU is expected to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation and create clearer channels for engagement between project owners, provincial authorities, municipalities and other key stakeholders. This will help identify and address potential implementation challenges while supporting an environment conducive to further investment and sustainable growth.

EDF power solutions and Envusa Energy have supported the development of the MOU by providing project context and facilitating engagement throughout the process. The detailed governance structures and implementation mechanisms will be determined collaboratively by the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape Provincial Governments.

The signing of the MOU demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring that the benefits arising from renewable energy investments are delivered in a transparent, equitable and sustainable manner, while supporting long-term development priorities across both provinces.

SAWEA