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17
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
AUGUST
2017
In more than 80 countries worldwide, wind farms generate clean and
renewable power, and South Africa is no exception. From the shores
of the Western Cape, across the Eastern and Northern Cape, to the
Northern borders of South Africa, wind farms are producing power,
creating local value and building futures.
Since the first RE independent power producer (REIPP) started
commercial operation at the end of 2013, 15 220 GWh have been
generated, reducing carbon emissions by 15,4 Mtons. Of this, wind
projects have contributed 7 603 GWh reducing carbon emissions by
7,7 Mtons.
“Our industry can be proud, not only of the clean, green, renewable
power that we are putting into the national grid, but for what we are
contributing to communities across rural South Africa,” said Brenda
Martin, CEO of the South African Wind power Association (SAWEA).
In just three years South Africa has become the largest Wind
power producer on the continent, generating 1,4 gigawatts from
600+ wind turbines. Wind power avoids the power-related use of
water by around 600 million litres each year.
Through the SA government-led RE Independent Power Producer
Procurement Programme (REI4P), over the past four years Wind
power has been directly supporting broader socio-economic
objectives including thousands of jobs for local youth and women.
While the programme implementation has been delayed for the past
two years, due to an impasse with Eskom, this initial developmental
impact can grow exponentially, once the outstanding Power
Purchase Agreements are signed. “Among the delayed projects,
approximately R7-billion, has been legally committed for socio-
economic development by wind farms alone,” concluded Martin.
opportunity to reap substantial personal
health and economic benefits.
• Roof top gardens have been planted and
the building is reaping the benefits. The
ecological value of the site was enhanced
by introducing more soft landscaping
which includes indigenous plants, and
the irrigation comes from the water reuse
systems. The roof top gardens also act as
a natural insulation barrier for the building
below which reduces the cooling load on
the mechanical system. They also limit
the storm water run-off, reducing the peak
storm water impact on infrastructure.
Celebrating and benefiting
South Africa joined countries across the globe to
celebrate G
lobal Wind Day 2017. This worldwide
event that occurs annually on 15 June, is and was a
day for re-considering wind, and the power it holds
to reshape our energy systems, decarbonise our
economy and boost jobs and growth.
How wind turbines produce electricity
• Wind power is converted to mechanical energy
through the turning turbine blades.
• The turbine blades transfer this mechanical energy
via the shaft and gearbox to the electrical generator
that turns the mechanical energy into electrical
energy (or power).
• This electrical energy is then made grid compatible.
• The grid compatible power is fed from the wind
turbines via a network of underground cables
across the wind farm to the project substation. The
substation forms the connection point between the
local wind farm grid and Eskom’s national grid.
• Eskom’s grid then supplies this power, along with
other power, to consumers.
About global wind day
The European Wind power Association, and the Global Wind power
Council, coordinate the Global Wind Day through a network of
partners. The day started as a European one in 2007 and went
Global in 2009. On 15 June, hundreds of public events were
organised in 40 countries around the world.
Kouga Wind Farm in the
Eastern Cape.
• A generator with a motor that is EPA Tier
II compliant and at max standby power
operates at 560kW has been installed to
further reduce potential Nitrogen Oxides
(NOx) emitted into the atmosphere from
burning fossil fuels during times of
power outages.
Roxanne Dovey, sustainability consultant, WSP, Building Services, Africa.
“This was a challenging project, especially
given the time from when construction
began to occupation – longer than usually
experienced with commercial building
projects. The design team needed to
monitor the sustainability aspects through
changes in both the designs and people
involved in the project – to ensure
consistency was maintained and that
we achieved compliance and met the
criteria for the 4 Star Green Star rating,”
indicates Dovey.
“It’s been an incredible project to
be involved with – one that has set a
benchmark for public sector buildings
in South Africa. In time, we expect the
investment by DPW into the CBD will not
only have positive social and economic
sustainability spin offs, but will rejuvenate
an important business node as part of the
long-term strategy to revitalise Tshwane,”
concludes Dovey.