Perdekraal East Wind Farm, situated within the Witzenberg Local Municipality, is preparing the way to begin major construction activity on the Western Cape’s largest BW4 wind farm.
Since achieving financial closure in June this year, the construction team has been working on establishing on site infrastructure, clearing and grubbing of roads and turbine foundations and preparing to construct 42km’s of road on site.
“These are early days in the project, but we are gearing up and expect to have excavated four foundations by the end of this month,” explains Glenn Hobson, Construction Project Manager. He describes the terrain as gently sloping Karoo-type bushveld, with underlying rocky outcrops.
This is Hobson’s first opportunity to manage the construction of a wind farm and what he sees as an ideal chance to further advance the “green energy” revolution whilst contributing to the development of local communities.
“South Africa’s renewables story is truly inspirational. We are transitioning towards a renewable future, which facilitates multiple opportunities for growth and development, within areas and communities that for decades have lacked infrastructure, investment and sustainable employment opportunities. It’s also a chance to work towards solving one of the most pressing challenges of our time; reducing the use of fossil fuels and the associated reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Hobson.
Once complete, the 110MW Perdekraal Wind Farm, which spans 3 055 hectares, will comprise forty-eight, 115m-high wind turbines. When operating at full capacity, it will generate around 183 000 MWh of clean renewable energy per year and is expected to supply electricity to power up to 95 000 South African homes.
Perdekraal East Wind Farm will eliminate approximately 410 000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year compared to traditional fossil fuel power plants. In addition to zero carbon emissions and reduced use of fossil fuels, the country will benefit from minimal water consumption during the generation process and significant social and enterprise development programmes.
BOILER PLATE:
The 110MW Perdekraal Wind Farm is owned by a number of equity members, these include: Mainstream Renewable Power, along with a consortium of investors such as the IFC and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Mainstream Renewable Power is the leading independent developer of utility-scale wind and solar power plants in high-growth emerging markets. LEKELA POWER, a renewable power generation company, which delivers utility-scale projects that supply much-needed clean energy to communities across Africa. H1 HOLDINGS, a wholly black owned and operational South African energy company, with a focus on developing and investing in projects in the power sector. AFRICAN RAINBOW ENERGY AND POWER, which aims to be a leading South African and African energy company, focused on clean energy solutions and is committed to contributing positively to the strategy and operations of its investee projects from a platform of sector specific knowledge. OLD MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY (SOUTH AFRICA), one of Africa’s largest independent investment managers. PERDEKRAAL EAST RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMUNITY TRUST, a local Community members through established community trust with shareholding funded by other project equity partners.
