Nordex provides update on wind energy projects in South Africa

Anne Henschel, Nordex Energy South Africa managing director has provided an update on the construction at two wind farms the company is involved in and the commencement of a third project in the Eastern Cape. On completion, these farms will supply 314.4 MW.

As part of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) programme, these three turn-key projects were awarded to Nordex by independent power producer Cennergi: Dorper wind farm (100 MW), Kouga wind farm (80 MW) and Amakhala Emoyeni wind farm in the Eastern Cape (134.4 MW).

Henschel says, “Construction of the Dorper and Kouga wind farm projects is well underway and on target, aiming at completion in the second half of 2014. Construction of the Amakhala Emoyeni wind farm, south of Bedford in the Eastern Cape, will start in the second half of 2014, with geological works being carried out at this stage of project execution.” The three projects include long-term service and maintenance agreements after completion of the projects.

Due to their locations, each project is unique with its own challenges and requirements. At Dorper, where the 10th wind turbine has been installed, the civil and electrical works are in progress and the project implementation is within the agreed time schedule. However, logistics and sourcing the correct permits for transporting the wind turbine components from the Coega port without damage has proven to be a challenge. This was overcome through partnerships with professional contractors. Another challenge which the project faced was to source a new standard procedure for foundation works together with the correct quality standard concrete for the foundation of the wind turbines and this was completed together with the civil subcontractors.

At Kouga, 10 foundations have been laid and Nordex will start the installation works in February 2014.

Since commencement, a few socio-economic milestones have been achieved. Nordex is committed to job creation, skills transfer, socio-economic development and training with the view of building a completely local organisation in three to five years. Nordex, together with Redcap, has established strong relations with the farmers and communities in the area as they are an integral part of the project. “Uplifting the local communities is part of our commitment to South Africa. In Dorper, Nordex is planning to initiate the establishment of a recreational centre for the youth and in Kouga, we are working with Redcap in order to identify education related projects,” Henschel says.

Nordex is also one of the leading suppliers in South Africa to date, with a local market share of about 26%. The experience with multi-megawatt turbines gives Nordex a decisive lead over most of its competitors. Currently, more than 5,300 Nordex turbines with an aggregate capacity of around 8,600 MW are in operation worldwide.

South Africa is blessed with an excellent wind resource and a large land mass which makes its local subsidiary, Nordex Energy South Africa in Cape Town a preferred supplier responsible for developing wind parks in South Africa.  Offering the product range of Generation Gamma, comprising of the N90/2500 (IEC1), the N100/2500 (IEC2) and the N117/2400(IEC3), this range is the most efficient proven onshore turbine for light wind sites. With Generation Delta, Nordex is offering the fourth generation of its proven multi-megawatt platform (N100/3300, N117/3000).