South Africa’s East London industrial development zone (IDZ)is set to benefit with additional power from a wind farm that is to be developed by the government.
According to Eastern Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC Sakhumzi Somyo, the wind power farm will have capability to generate over three-million kilowatt-hours a year.
Somyo also added that IDZ is working with a local wind turbine manufacturer for the project. The undertaking will see IDZ saving over US$ 28-million in electricity costs over 20 years. The wind power farm project will also strengthen the energy security for industries at the zone.
The South Africa’s Eastern Cape has is undertaking 12 wind power farms and one solar farm projects through independent power producers (IPPs).
He also added that the renewable energy project would see IPPs invest a total amount of R1.6-billion in enterprise and social development projects, in addition to supplying energy security for the region.
The minister said that the R3.5-billion, 342 MW Dedisa peaking power plant being developed at the Coega IDZ would come on line later this year. The power plant uses open-cycle gas turbines to generate power.
South Africa, which has reported massive load shedding is investing in more renewables to boost power supply, including the 100MW Xina Solar One project to be located at the Northern Cape South Africa and estimated to cost US$800m.
