Aug 4, 2023 · • Africa Wind opportunity report that captures insights & demonstrates outlook upon potential & exploitable wind energy market size for various countries across Africa – Ghana,
The biggest wind power facility in the country is actually two adjacent farms — Khobab and Loeriesfontein 2 in the Northern Cape. These two farms have 122 Siemens SWT-2.3-108 turbines between them, providing a maximum generating capacity of roughly 283MW.
There are currently 34 operational wind farms adding a combined capacity of more than 3,400MW to South Africa’s electricity grid, according to the Department of Energy’s IPP Projects website and official Eskom data. Independent Power Producers (IPPs) own all but one of these facilities. These IPPs, in turn, sell their electricity to Eskom.
With more than 30 utility-scale wind projects now operational across South Africa, wind is gaining speed as an important component of the country’s energy mix. Indeed, the wind energy sector is gaining momentum as more projects go online as part of government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Procurement Programme (REIPPP).
According to the energy department’s IPP database, seven additional wind farms are currently under construction in the Cape provinces, which will provide a further 780MW of capacity. Another six wind farm projects are yet to reach financial close. If they succeed, they will add another 824MW once operational.
Indeed, the wind energy sector is gaining momentum as more projects go online as part of government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Procurement Programme (REIPPP). According the South African Wind Energy Association (Sawea), South Africa leads the charge in Africa, accounting for 30% of the continent’s 9GW of installed wind energy capacity.
Loeriesfontein is the twin to the Khobab Wind Farm and owned by the same consortium. The wind farm spans some 8 500 acres of agricultural land and comprises 61 99m-high wind turbines. Loerisfontein produces 535GWh of energy per year, ensuring the energy needs of up to 161 300 South African homes and displaces 550 000 t of carbon emissions yearly.
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