Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 lockdown, the 140 MW Nxuba Wind Farm in the Eastern Cape has begun generating and delivering energy.

The Nxuba Wind Farm is one of five projects awarded to Enel Green Power (EGP) South Africa in the fourth round of the country’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The wind farm boasts a full production capacity of 460 GWh per year, to be added to the grid.

“Nxuba Wind Farm is yet another example of EGP’s commitment to renewables and sustainability in South Africa and globally. We are particularly excited about unlocking the potential of the abundant renewable energy sources in South Africa, as well as supporting the local economy,” says William Price, Head of EGP in South Africa.

Price explained that the pre-assembly stage involves the installation of as many as 17 concrete tower keystones (portion of sections). This is followed by the main erection of the structure that includes the installation of the five pre-assembled tower sections and other related operations (horizontal joints and tensioning cables) which can take up to two weeks to complete in optimal weather conditions.

The completion of the project amounted to 2 million man-hours with zero incidents and involved significant skills transfer. EGP enlisted the services of individuals and SMEs from the Blue Crane Route and Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipalities, which comprise Adelaide, Cookhouse, Somerset East and Bedford, to help construct the plant.