40MW project for SA

TCWF

Yesterday saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding at Wittekleibosch in the Eastern Cape between partners hoping to develop the Tsitsikamma Community Wind Farm (TCWF) project.

According to reports, the project is aimed at generating about 40MW of wind power by 2013, and would be worth about ZAR1 billion (US$136,846,853). The partnership behind the TCWF include some key players within South Africa's power and energy sector, including the Tsitsikamma Development Trust, which operates on behalf of the community that owns the land, energy company Watt Energy, and South African mining company Exxaro.

Other key players include: the Eastern Cape Community Wind Energy Development Association (ECCWEDA); Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas; The Danish Export Credit Fund, which would provide debt credits; Danish energy utility Dong Energy, which would procure carbon credits from the project; and Danish wind laboratory Riso, which was responsible for wind measuring and mapping.

Environmental impact

Now a feasibility study, including the environmental impact assessment, National Energy Regulator of South Africa licensing applications, and an Eskom grid connection application are underway.

Futhermore, say reports, are discussions with Eskom regarding the construction of a 2x80MW substation on the wind farm site, with a 132KV transmission line to accommodate the project.

It was estimated that there were some 5000MW of wind power under development in South Africa, while the government had mandated the procurement of 400MW of wind power by 2013. The good news for TCMF is that it is reportedly at a fairly advanced stage, at least compared with other wind projects under development in the country.

Now the South African government is being urged to increase its renewable energy goal, with experts suggesting it should strive for a target of 25 percent renewable energy contribution to consumption by 2025.

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