Top Best Wind Power Plants in South Africa for 2024

With its extensive network of power plants supplying millions of people with electricity across the nation, South Africa is one of the most energy-efficient nations in the world. Most of its energy is produced by coal-fired power plants, which are severely dependent on them. All of South Africa’s power plants are listed in detail in this article, along with information on how they are linked to form a dependable electrical network. It will give a general summary of the country’s electricity prices, installed solar and wind capacity, and generating mix. The private and public managers of these power plants, their locations, and the ways in which they meet the socioeconomic demands of the nearby communities will all be covered in this article. In order to help readers make wise judgments about their energy choices, it will also provide current data and trends on the South African energy industry.

Here is a list of every wind energy facility in South Africa.

List of all Wind Power Plants in South Africa in table format

For the benefit of our readers, we have compiled a list of wind power plants in South Africa in the following table:

Informational Resources: GCPT, Wiki-Solar, WRI, Industry About

Best Wind Power Plants in South Africa in 2023

Below is information on the top wind power plants in South Africa:

Powerplant Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Farm Reviews

A significant source of renewable energy in South Africa is the 134.4 megawatt (MW) Amakhala Emoyeni wind farm, which lies close to the town of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. In its first year of operation, which started in June 2017, it is expected to have a capacity of 2,631 GWh. The factory is strategically located to take advantage of the nearby wind resources at latitude -32.875 and longitude 25.9977. The factory uses wind energy as its main fuel, and there are several wind turbines on the property.

The Amakhala Emoyeni wind farm, the country’s first of its sort, makes a substantial addition to the country’s mix of renewable energy sources. It is the biggest wind farm that is now operating in South Africa, and when it is completely operational, it will produce enough electricity to power at least 50,000 houses. The plant will assist in lowering South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels and reducing electricity costs by committing to reliable and sustainable electricity production.

Powerplant Chaba Wind Farm Reviews

A 21-megawatt wind farm called Chaba Wind Farm is situated at 32.5912 latitude and 27.9631 longitude. In order to deliver renewable energy to the South African energy market, the country’s first sizable wind farm went into operation in April 2014. Approximately 50.4 million kWh of electricity, enough to power more than 16,000 houses in South Africa, are anticipated to be produced yearly by Chaba.

There are twelve 1.8 MW Enercon E126 turbines at the Chaba wind farm. The 84m towers, which are the highest towers on the African continent, are fixed with the turbines. By the time the twelve 1.8 megawatt turbines were fully installed in 2014, they were expected to produce more than 44,400 megawatt hours of clean, renewable energy annually. The Chaba wind farm offers towns who heavily rely on carbon-based energy sources the chance to diversify their electricity supply, which is a situational benefit.

Powerplant Coega IDZ Windfarm Reviews

With a 73.8 MW capacity, the Coega IDZ Windfarm is a wind energy facility in South Africa. The facility is specifically situated at latitude -33.676 and longitude 25.6028. This power plant’s principal fuel source is wind, and it began operating in May 2018. An estimated 190.47 GW of power are produced by the facility annually.

The Coega IDZ Windfarm is a component of a sizable industrial sector because it is situated within the Coega Industrial Development Zone in South Africa. The construction of low-carbon infrastructures in the region is anticipated to proceed more quickly thanks to this power plant’s dependable and long-lasting renewable energy supply. In keeping with this goal, the facility utilizes a cutting-edge wind turbine system to effectively capture the power of the wind and produce large amounts of electricity.

Powerplant Cookhouse Reviews

With an estimated 138.6 megawatts of power generation capacity, Cookhouse is one of the largest wind power stations of its kind in the area. The power plant started generating energy at the beginning of this year. It is situated in the southwest of the nation at latitude -32.742 and longitude 25.9242.

With its installation enabling the area to switch to more sustainable energy sources and aiding in the creation of green energy industry jobs, the Cookhouse power station has been crucial in the region’s efforts to lessen its carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, with its enormous capacity, it has been successful in providing the area with a dependable, clean source of power.

Cookhouse has received praise for its contribution to the region’s achievement of sustainable energy goals. With its successful operations, it has become an example for other regions to follow in their efforts to create a bright energy future. Cookhouse has helped to improve local air quality and has shortened energy lead times for local customers.

Powerplant Darling Wind Farm Reviews

The Darling Wind Farm, which opened in 2014 and is still in operation, is a 5.2 megawatt capacity power plant close to Darling, Western Cape, South Africa, via Latitude -33.3173 and Longitude 18.2586. Its primary fuel is wind, and its estimated power generation is 12.94 MW.

The Darling Wind Farm, connected to the Eskom grid, is powered by nine Vestas V-90 wind turbines, each rated at 600 kW, and provides South Africans with clean, renewable energy. In addition to providing electricity, the wind farm also supports local investment and employment by providing direct and indirect jobs for more than three years.

The main goal of AYA is to combine African renewable energy needs with the latest technology and global expertise. AYA serves to mobilize and manage the diverse teams of financial, technical, and environmental skills. It works towards providing clean and renewable energy in the communities, with a sustainable economy. Darling Wind Farm is a part of Darling Energy Holdings, which is a subsidiary of AYA Group. The group consists of Biofuel Farms, Health Care, and Agriculture.

Powerplant Dassieklip Reviews

The power plant went online in 2009 and has been generating clean, renewable energy ever since. It uses wind as its primary fuel source, allowing it to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable energy development in South Africa. Dassieklip, located in the Central Karoo region of South Africa, is home to a 27 megawatt (MW) wind farm. It is situated at 34.227 latitude and 19.3727 longitude.

Dassieklip, a wind farm consisting of nine turbines, is situated on 120 hectares of land and has a 27 MW capacity, making it a significant contributor to South Africa’s renewable energy network. It is estimated to produce 51,000 megawatt-hours per year, providing enough steady energy to power almost 12,000 homes.

The Dassieklip wind farm has played a significant role in the development of renewable energy in South Africa and is anticipated to do so for many years to come. It is a part of the green transformation that is occurring in the country. By utilizing the strong, consistent winds that are present there, this power plant produces environmentally friendly energy at a reasonable cost.

Powerplant Dorper Wind Farm Reviews

The Dorper Wind Farm, a 100 megawatt wind power plant with a location at -31.4802 latitude and 26.4407 longitude in a rural area of South Africa, was conceived in late 2014 and its construction was finished in late 2016. It is anticipated that the Dorper Wind Farm will produce a total of over 220 gigawatts of electricity, which will be fed into the national electricity grid. This will not only lessen the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The Dorper Wind Farm will supply electricity to nearby homes and businesses, boost the local economy, and help South Africa meet its energy needs. The Dorper Wind Farm is a significant milestone for South Africa because it is a clean renewable source of electricity and is expected to help the country reduce its carbon dioxide emissions.

Powerplant Gouda Wind Farm Reviews

The Gouda Wind Farm is a 138 MW power plant with a primary fuel source of wind energy that is situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It was commissioned on August 9th, 2013 and is expected to produce up to 250 GWh of power annually. Its geographic coordinates are -33.2665 longitude and 19.0225 latitude.

The 67-turbine wind farm, the fourth-largest on the continent and the largest in South Africa, is situated in the windy Gouda region and has a hub height of 86 meters and a rotor diameter of 93 meters. Its exceptional location on the mountain ridges close to the Cape Agulhas lighthouse ensures exceptional potential for harnessing wind energy.

Gouda Wind Farm is a testament to the commitment of the South African government to reducing its carbon footprint while also increasing access to clean and renewable energy. The project has significantly contributed to regional stability and economic growth. Gouda Wind Farm not only helped to reduce pollution by decreasing the amount of GHG emitted into the atmosphere, but it has also had a positive economic impact by creating employment opportunities for the locals.

Powerplant Grassridge Wind Farm Reviews

The 61.5-megawatt Grassridge Wind Farm is a wind power-generating facility in New South Wales, Australia, close to Burragorang. The power station is situated at a latitude of -33.6763 and a longitude of 25.6029. Wind power is the main source of fuel or energy for the power station. The wind-powered plant began operations in 2018, and it is anticipated that it could generate up to 75GW of electricity annually.

The Grassridge Wind Farm has a total output of 61.5 megawatts and uses the most up-to-date wind turbine technology that is designed to capture wind energy from a variety of wind directions and angles. The plant also has a state-of-the-art control system that optimizes the output of the turbines. The turbine blades measure 180 feet in length and 10 feet in diameter.

Powerplant Hopefield Reviews

The 66.6 megawatt wind power plant, the largest of its kind in the area, is situated north of Hopefield and has been operating since October 2015, producing clean, renewable energy through its collection of 93 wind turbines scattered across the land, each producing up to 800 kW. The power plant is situated at geographic coordinates -33.093 latitude and 18.3987 longitude and functions as a primary energy source.

In addition to supplying the local grid with much-needed jobs and economic development, the power plant also serves as a hub for research and development of new ways to generate even more wind energy. Overall, the power plant has served to benefit the environment, the economy, and the community of Hopefield. This is especially true given that it offsets the use of polluting fossil fuels.

Powerplant Karoo Renewable Energy Facility (Nobelsfontein Wind) Reviews

The Karoo Renewable Energy Facility (Nobelsfontein Wind) is a 73.8 megawatt wind farm that started operating in 2017 and is situated in the Karoo region of South Africa. The facility’s latitude and longitude are -27.602 and 22.9201, respectively. The facility is expected to generate an estimated total of 280 gigawatt-hours of power from its wind turbines annually.

The Karoo Renewable Energy Facility (Nobelsfontein Wind) maximizes the output of energy for the facility, making it even more efficient and productive. The wind farm has been designed with an emphasis on environmental friendliness, and has been built in a way that minimizes the amount of energy lost due to transmission and conversion losses.

Powerplant Khobab Wind Reviews

The 140 MW Khobab Wind power plant was built by Mainstream Renewable Energy and is situated in the Northern Cape, South Africa, at latitude -30.4642 and longitude 19.5233. It uses wind as its main fuel and is expected to produce 740 GWh annually.

Khobab Wind is the largest of the company’s 8 wind farms, and it contributes the majority of the company’s total power generation. It is anticipated to reduce nearly 370,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, significantly assisting South Africa with its Climate Action Plan, and it is anticipated to power more than 110,000 homes throughout the nation.

Powerplant Klawer Wind Farm Reviews

Klawer Wind Farm is a 30 MW wind power project in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Its precise coordinates are 31.8394 S and 18.5638 E. Due to its location in the Western Cape providence, the wind farm is relatively close to the coast. Its estimated power generation is about 70 GWh of electricity annually, which is enough to power about 2 million homes. Construction on the project began in July 2016.

The Klawer Wind Farm is an example of the progress being made toward making more renewable sources of energy accessible to the general public in South Africa. The project is run by Klawer Green Energy, the renewable energy division of Investec Bank. Upon completion, the wind farm consisted of 15 2 MW Nordex N60 turbines and was the first commercial wind project to be developed in South Africa. Its success has led to more wind projects in the region.

Powerplant Loeriesfontein 2 Reviews

Its precise location is in South Africa at latitude -30.4037 and longitude 19.5891. Called Loeriesfontein 2, this wind power plant has been in operation since March 2021 and is currently estimated to produce about 140MW of electrical energy. It is primarily powered by the local wind currents.

As one of the largest wind farms in the ground-breaking project, the Loeriesfontein 2 Wind Power Plant will provide an ample energy supply to South Africa’s private and public sector and will supply environmentally friendly energy to its consumers. The power plant is part of the Senvion Wind (SWH) Project, which is located in the Noordoewer and Loeriesfontein areas of South Africa.

Powerplant Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Maanhaarberg Wind Energy Facili Reviews

The Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Maanhaarberg Wind Energy Facility, a 100MW wind power facility owned by China’s Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Power Investments, is situated at -30.7259, 23.9137 in South Africa and was put into service in 2017.

The Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Maanhaarberg Wind Energy Facility converts the wind, which is the cleanest and most renewable energy source, into electricity. The wind farm is connected to the External Supply District Network, from which the electricity can be transmitted and distributed. Its turbines and specially designed wind towers capture the wind flows and turn them into clean and renewable energy.

The power plant is expected to be a benefit for the nation’s clean energy landscape because it uses wind energy, which is sustainable and environmentally friendly, to create electricity. It also plays a significant part in lowering air pollution, supporting South Africa’s environmental cause.

FAQ

Q. How much of South Africa’s power is generated by wind?

A. The South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, which has already procured 2,500 megawatts of renewable energy projects, has ambitious plans to increase this share to 10.3% by 2030, despite the fact that wind power currently makes up less than 1% of South Africa’s electricity generation capacity.

Q. What are the benefits of wind power plants in South Africa?

A. Wind energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that does not produce air or water pollutants, unlike some other energy sources; it also offers a stable source of energy and jobs for the region, boosting local economies and presenting new investment opportunities; and it is becoming more and more cost competitive, allowing South Africa to lessen its reliance on imported fuels.

Q. How many wind energy projects are in operation in South Africa?

A. In South Africa, there are 14 operational wind energy projects with a combined capacity of 2,404 MW, and this electricity is fed into the national grid as of the end of 2020.

Q. What international organizations are supporting wind energy projects in South Africa?

A. As part of South Africa’s transition to clean energy, a number of international organizations, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Global Environment Facility, the Clean Technology Fund, and the European Development Bank, are providing financial and technical support for wind energy projects in South Africa.

Q. What is the size of the largest wind farm in South Africa?

A. The 140MW Khobab Wind Farm in the Northern Cape Province is the biggest wind farm in South Africa; it was put into service in October 2017 and has 70 wind turbine generators. Khobab Wind Farm is the country’s first wind farm of this size and can power more than 200,000 homes.

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