Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm
Located between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape, the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm site spans 3700 hectares. The site’s optimal wind conditions, relatively flat topography, minimal environmental constraints and its close proximity to the 132kV Eskom grid line, make it an ideal wind energy resource.
Arising from the South African Government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Eskom as well as an Implementation Agreement with the Department of Energy.
The project reached Commercial Operations Date mid-2014, having started construction in December 2012. The wind farm supplies 460 000 MWh per year, enough clean, renewable electrical energy to meet the needs of 100 000 average South African households. The project effectively reduces annual carbon emissions by 420 000 tonnes and lifetime carbon emissions by 8 400 000.
There are many environmental benefits of wind energy, including:
- Water saving – wind energy does not consume water during the energy generation process, it also helps preserve scarce water resources.
- Reduced carbon emissions – one megawatt of wind energy equates to 2600 fewer tons of carbon emissions when compared to coal-fired energy generation.
- Wind energy generation emits zero air or water pollution.
The local community benefits from the project in many ways, including:
- Enterprise development and socio-economic development contributions
- Community trust ownership
- Procurement and employment opportunities
Website: https://jeffreysbaywindfarm.co.za/
