Simmons & Simmons has been appointed as co-transaction counsel to a syndicate, arranged by Absa Bank Limited, financing two wind farms under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme in South Africa.

The 140 megawatt (MW) Kangnas Wind Farm (Northern Cape) and the 110MW Perdekraal East Wind Farm (Western Cape) are being developed by a consortium led by global wind and solar company Mainstream Renewable Power.

Simmons & Simmons is involved in renewables development and trading across Africa and has advised lenders in each round of the programme to date, including in relation to the Jeffreys Bay 138MW wind farm, the De Aar Solar 50 MW PV Farm and the Droogfontein Solar 50 MW PV Farm (each officially opened in 2014).

Most recently in Round 3 the firm advised lenders in relation to the 140MW Khobab wind farm, the Loeriesfontein2 140 MW Wind Farm and the Noupoort Wind 80 MW Farm (each under construction).

The Simmons & Simmons team is led by partner John Sayers, assisted by partner Peter Wright, Of Counsel Bree Miechel and Managing Associate Rose-Anna Daukes.

Partner John Sayers commented: “In a short space of time the clean energy sector in South Africa has evolved from early untested optimism into a case study for successful international investment on the continent. It is another welcome opportunity for us to add value through our expertise in both Africa and the sector, and to continue working with the developer and lending communities as they adapt to the success of the programme and the fresh challenges which flow from that.”