Gestamp Wind, a Wind Project developer has been awarded the contract for development of a 102MW South African wind farm in Cooperton, Northern Cape under the Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). This will have a 20 years power purchase agreement (PPA).
Construction work on the wind power project is expected to begin early next year at a cost of US $0.16bn.
According to the Country manager for Gestamp Wind, Carlos Rodriguez, 34 wind turbine generators (WTG’S) with a 3MW capacity will be part of the project.
Construction of the South African wind farm will also include a 132Kv substation which will be connected to a distribution line with the same capacity. The 132kV distribution line is owned by Eskom.
The project is expected to have a 39 percent load factor with the maximum loading expected to be during the winter season with a start up operation for the same scheduled for late 2017 to the first quarter of 2018.
Steal towers for the wind turbine generators will be manufactured in south Africa while other components will be imported.
The CEO of Gestamp Wind, Dionisio Fernandez noted that the project has reinforced his belief in wind farm developments in International markets.
The company has other wind power projects in different parts of South Africa worth 785MW in capacity. This will be submitted in future public tenders offered by the government.
KEYWORD: 102MW Wind Farm in the Northern Cape
CAPTION: Gestamp Wind to Construct a 102MW Wind Farm in the Northern Cape of South Africa
