Previous Page  19 / 64 Next Page
Information
Show Menu
Previous Page 19 / 64 Next Page
Page Background

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.