South Africa has launched its first verified wind atlas which maps out potential hotspots as a tool for wind farm developers as the coal-hungry country pushes toward renewable energy.
The atlas models the wind climate in three coastal provinces, which is backed up by measured data from 10 masts which can be used for further studies to investigate if a location is viable for turbines.
“This is an opportunity for investors to invest in our green economy,” said deputy energy minister, Barbara Thompson.
South Africa wants renewable energy to make up 42 percent of all new power projects as it aims to cut its overwhelming coal reliance, from 90 percent to 65 percent of the power supply by 2030, with major investments expected in nuclear and renewables.
