Excelsior wind farm connects to South Africa’s power grid
The 33 MW Excelsior wind farm is connected to the country’s national power grid, having completed the commissioning of its 13 wind turbine generators.
Image for illustration purposes
South Africa: The 33 MW Excelsior wind farm, in the Western Cape province, is now connected to the country’s national power grid, having successfully completed the commissioning of its 13 wind turbine generators.
The Excelsior wind farm is connected to the grid through an on-site substation and a dedicated 132 kV power line connecting to the Vryheid substation, located close to the plant in Swellendam.
The developer BioTherm Energy noted that this is the first wind farm in the Western Cape, part of the government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REI4P), Bid Window 4, to reach this key milestone.
This Independent Power Producer (IPP), which commenced construction almost two years ago, is expected to achieve its commercial operations date next month, said Robert Skjodt, CEO of BioTherm Energy.
Once operational, the wind farm will begin generating over 132 GWh of renewable power each year.
The REI4P represents the governments’ most comprehensive and successful strategy to achieving a transition to a green economy, with IPPs located across the country, in alignment with the prevalence of renewable energy resources.
The portfolio of South African IPPs, developed by BioTherm Energy, also includes Aggeneys Solar, Konkoonsies II Solar and Golden Valley Wind. Additionally, the company’s portfolio reaches over the South African borders, to include the 100 MW Kipeto Wind, in Kenya.
Source: ESI Africa