Eskom, the state-run power utility, has announced  plans to start operating 50 wind turbines in a bid to stave off a similar scenario to last year’s power crisis, which resulted in swathes of load shedding across the country.

"We are looking at building 50 wind turbines with two megawatts each before the end of this year across the country," said Eskom spokesman Fani Zulu in an interview on radio station SA FM.

Zulu did not specify how much the project would cost, but noted that that it would be more expensive than the current coal-fired plants.

Last year Eskom announced plans to double its spending plans to R343-billion over the next five years as it revamps its infrastructure, building new power plants and expanding transmission lines.