{"id":439211,"date":"2020-10-08T12:38:51","date_gmt":"2020-10-08T10:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=439211"},"modified":"2020-10-08T12:38:51","modified_gmt":"2020-10-08T10:38:51","slug":"a-look-at-south-africas-massive-new-wind-farm-that-just-launched-in-the-western-cape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/energy\/439211\/a-look-at-south-africas-massive-new-wind-farm-that-just-launched-in-the-western-cape\/","title":{"rendered":"A look at South Africa’s massive new wind farm that just launched in the Western Cape"},"content":{"rendered":"

Renewable power company Lekela has announced the start of commercial operations at its Perdekraal East<\/a> windfarm in the Western Cape.<\/p>\n

The windfarm will add 110MW to South Africa\u2019s national grid and is the first wind farm from round four of the renewable energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme to begin commercial operations.<\/p>\n

It commenced its 20-year Commercial Operations period starting Thursday, 8 October 2020.<\/p>\n

Situated in the Witzenberg Municipality near Matjiesfontien in the Western Cape, Perdekraal East has 48 turbines generating approximately 360 GWh of energy each year – enough to supply power for 111,000 South African homes.<\/p>\n

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It has a 20-year power purchase agreement with Eskom. Lekela co-owns the project with the local community which has a shareholding though a community trust.<\/p>\n

“Every renewable project which reaches completion means South Africa gains more advantage from its abundant sustainable resources,” said Lekela Power chief executive Chris Antonopoulos.<\/p>\n

“More vital power flows into the national grid with all the concomitant benefits for the country and its citizens.”<\/p>\n

Antonopoulos said that the facility will eliminate approximately 410,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually compared to traditional fossil-fuel power-plants.<\/p>\n

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Great visit to Perdekraal East Wind Farm today – a great example of the private sector investing in renewable energy in the Western Cape.<\/p>\n

Currently in construction, once online this wind farm can provide energy to 52,000 homes. #GreenEconomy<\/a> #EnergyResilientWC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tWFZ9fNDq6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 David Maynier (@DavidMaynier) September 22, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n