The Eastern Cape is moving ahead with a R7.5 billion wind farm project in the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), which aims to produce 3 million kilowatt-hours (3000MWh)\u00a0per year.<\/p>\n
The project was announced by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC Sakhumzi Somyo on Thursday (19 March).<\/p>\n
Somyo said that the entity, which was working with a local wind turbine manufacturer, would save R98 million in electricity costs over 20 years and strengthen energy security for its industries.<\/p>\n
The province’s continuing interest in shale gas, with Somyo saying that the province’s research partner, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, was “making history” with a first-ever forensic baseline of ground-water chemistry and three-dimensional image of the Karoo’s deep sub-surface.<\/p>\n
These developments follow a litany of renewable energy projects taking place in the province, which has seen it develop a sizeable renewable energy footprint with its independent power producers (IPP) securing licenses for 12 wind farms and one solar farm.<\/p>\n
Somyo noted that the renewable energy production had the effect of securing electricity supply for the province.<\/p>\n
Local content, which was to be procured from within the province, was projected at R7.5 billion and would stimulate the development of localised industries and the green economy, he said.<\/p>\n
Already eight manufacturers were established in the province; the three manufacturers are in the East London and Coega Industrial Development zones, and represented a combined investment of over R1 billion.<\/p>\n
Energy security has also been given a further boost at the Coega Industrial Development Zone where the R3.5 billion Dedisa Peaking Power Plant confirmed that it expected to go online later this year.<\/p>\n
This plant would generate 342MW of electricity through its open-cycle gas turbines.<\/p>\n
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