Greening Electricity Generation in South Africa Through Wind Energy

Abstract

Wind generation is a novel technology in South Africa; it is already well established throughout the world. The quest for “green” power is a motivating factor for the use of New and Renewable Sources of Energy (NRSE) that are relatively more environmentally benign, for the generation of electricity. For a country like South Africa with significant adverse environmental impacts from several coal-fired power stations, the generation of power from more environmentally benign energy carriers, particularly wind and solar energy, is very desirable. Due to the predominance of the power generation landscape by coal-fired power stations devoid of flue gas desulphurization mechanisms that result in cheap electricity, generation using new and renewable sources of energy is perceived to be expensive, and faces several barriers—institutional, policy, structural and fiscal. Wind Energy is expected to make enormous contributions to the global electricity generation market, hitherto dominated by fossil fuels. In South Africa, the coastal areas and the Drakensburg Escarpment show the greatest potential for wind energy. Several windmills have been installed in the more arid and commercial farming areas in South Africa mainly for pumping water. A prominent role-player in the generation of electric power is the Darling Wind Demonstration Farm. This farm has planned to generate about 5.2 MW of power initially, increasing to 10 MW eventually, for sale to the local municipality. This chapter examines the status of the project and its potential contribution to cleaner and sustainable environment in South Africa.