Region
South Africa
West Coast District Municipality

Sector
Energy

Summary:

The west coast's environmental conditions put it in a perfect position to take advantage of a number of renewable energy resources. Wind, wave and solar are all feasible power sources on the west coast.

Contact
Office of the Municipal Manager

Email
westcoastdm@wcdm.co.za

Wind Energy

With an average wind speed of 6m/s, 2800 megawatts (MW) wind energy could be generated annually through the construction of multiple wind generation plants. (Average electrical consumption in Western Cape’s 3500 MW.) (Source: SA Wind Energy Programme). The R75-million Darling wind farm, in the Swartland, has four turbines and can supply 5.2 MW of electricity, being sold to the City of Cape Town. St Helena Bay Wind Farm - an R850 million, 80 MW wind farm located on 926 ha in St Helena Bay is in the planning phases. This translates to 2.3% of the total provincial electrical energy usage. A third proposal in the Piketberg area is currently under review, with feasibility and scoping exercises being concluded in the first half of 2010.

South Africa’s national Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) has placed a high priority on wind energy. The South African Wind Energy Programme (SAWEP) incorporates such initiatives and is involved in sourcing funding and new technologies for greater development in the sub-sector.

Wave Energy

The notorious rough seas and high waves on the West Coast could be harnessed to generate a significant amount of renewable wave energy. The province exhibits vast potential to tap into this resource. Significant resources along West Coast particularly Cape Columbine through to the Cape Agulhas area are well suited and supported by adjacent infrastructure development and industrial clientele.

Solar Energy

Improving technology is making the vast, arid, sundrenched, remote and water scarce areas of the West Coast, ideal for commercial solar energy generation. It could power the energy-demanding desalination plants and other infrastructure in the region. An opportunity exists to supply the recently upgraded Bitterfontein Desalination Plant that now supplies communities in Bitterfontein and Nuwerus in the DMA with potable water.

Similarly, the renewable energy sources can be harnessed to fuel the Seawater Desalination Plant to be constructed at Lambert’s Bay to supply potable water to local industries and communities from Lambert’s Bay to Clanwilliam.

For more information about business and investment opportunities in the West Coast District Municipality, contact:

Office of the Municipal Manager
Email: westcoastdm@wcdm.co.za

Website: http://www.westcoastdm.co.za/