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May 27 2012 11:21
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The oversupply of golf estates has claimed another victim.
Johannesburg - Electrawinds Belgium announced on Friday
that it is finalising the feasibility in setting up a commercial wind farm which will
be located in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ). This investment will see
Electrawinds invest R1.2bn into a Coega Wind Farm Project
producing green renewable energy.
This will be one of the first private initiatives of its kind to take place in
South Africa. This project will result in 25 wind turbines of 2.3 MW each being built
in the Coega IDZ and is anticipated to be fully operation by 2011. In addition,
Electrawinds will offer educational scholarships to top local students who are
interested in furthering their studies in renewable energy.
"Electrawinds and the CDC are not only leading the way in creating sustainable and
environmentally friendly wind generated power but we are also ensuring the future
development of the Eastern Cape with this scholarship programme," said Khwezi Tiya,
Executive Manager of Business Development at the CDC.
Electrawinds, Belgium's foremost renewable energy producer, is committed to build
the first commercial wind farm in South Africa, with the first phase commencing and
having the "This project is a double celebration. It marks Electrawinds' first
turbine on African soil and Coega's establishment of its first commercial wind farm in
one go" said Tiya.
Luc Desender Executive Director Electrawinds said: "We are one of the pioneers
of renewable energy in Belgium and have in the meantime built up a tremendous wealth
of know-how. Our ambition now is to live that pioneering spirit in South Africa. There
is a great deal of support for renewable energy in South Africa and this offers great
opportunities. Also, it is my personal dream to produce Electrawinds' first green
electricity in South Africa in time for the world cup football in 2010."
Electrawinds has appointed the CSIR to conduct the environmental assessment for
the project. "The single wind turbine and wind measuring mast in phase 1 require that
a Basic Assessment is undertaken, with this process having commenced in August", says
Paul Lochner, an Environmental Assessment Practitioner at CSIR. "The CSIR team
includes Public Process Consultants, who are running the public participation process.
- I-Net Bridge