Wind farm Wolf
In 2012, South Africa's renewable energy landscape was just beginning to unfold. The only operational wind farm at that time was the modest 5.2 MW Darling wind farm, so the concept of harnessing wind energy was still relatively novel in the region. Enter the ambitious 84 MW Wolf Wind Project, set in the picturesque yet challenging terrain of the Klein Karoo, between Kirkwood and Jansenville.
Most renewable energy projects face their fair share of challenges, and Wolf was no exception. The project site, straddling two municipalities and involving many landowners, required extensive collaboration, negotiation, and countless cups of coffee. Ultimately, we convinced all stakeholders of the project's benefits.
A major challenge was connecting to the national grid. We received an unexpected request from Eskom, the national power utility, to rebuild a 132 kV power line from Jansenville to Port Elizabeth, becoming one of the longest privately funded power lines in the country. Despite these and other difficulties, the site's excellent wind resource motivated us to overcome all obstacles and achieve financial closure.
Initially bid in the Government’s Expedited Round in 2015 with American utility partner NRG, that round was never announced. In 2020, we partnered with Red Rocket for Round 5.
Red Rocket bid the project at a tariff of R618/MWh, the highest successful tariff in Round 5. The project's impressive energy yield, with a net capacity factor close to 50%, enabled it to surmount financial challenges en route to financial closure.
Seventeen wind turbines, including Vestas V163-4.5MW and Vestas V162-6.2MW models, are being installed. The project is slated for commissioning in mid-2024. The generated power will be sold to Eskom Holdings SOC under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
The Wolf wind farm's ability to generate 350,000 MWh of clean electricity annually will power approximately 33,000 households each year, marking a significant step towards sustainable living in South Africa and a shift towards renewable energy in daily life.
The project's environmental benefits are also substantial. It is estimated to save 350 thousand tons of greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to avoiding the burning of approximately 140 thousand tons of coal each year. Additionally, by replacing coal power with wind energy, the project is expected to save 500 million liters of water annually.
Ultimately, the Wolf wind farm is more than a renewable energy project; it is a beacon of innovation and resilience. Despite initial skepticism and myriad challenges, our team's unwavering commitment has contributed to a greener, more sustainable future for South Africa. As we continue to explore renewable energy frontiers, Wolf stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance, partnership, and pioneering spirit.