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Wind Energy Potential in South Africa

Wind Power Potential in South Africa (DME, 2004)

South Africa’s technically feasible RE production of approximately 87 000 GWh corresponds to about 49 % of the electricity consumption in 2001 (DME, 2004). In 1999 RE accounted for approximately 9 % of the total energy consumption (Energy Futures, 2000). Most of the energy is generated from fuelwood and dung and not from modern RE technologies.

Wind power potential is fairly good along most coastal and escarpment areas with mean annual speeds above 6 meters per second. It is estimated that wind power could supply at least 1 % (198 000 GWh) of South Africa’s projected electricity requirements (DME, 2002a).

Eskom is currently generating electricity from the Klipheuwel Wind Farm about 40 km north of Cape Town. The 3 wind turbines have a combined generation capacity of 3.16 MW. Phase 1 of the Darling wind farm, a 5 MW power project is to start in 2005. The Oelsner-Group from Darling will be the first independent power producer.

http://www.gnesd.org/Downloadables/RETs/ERC%20RETs%20final%20version.pdf

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Related GENI Resources

Definition Wind Energy
Current Articles on Renewable Energy Resources and Transmission
National Energy Grid Maps

Links

African Wind Energy Association (AfriWEA)
Power Africa Wind (PAW)
AFREC (African Energy Commission)