Eskom supplies more power to the national grid

The Sere Wind Farm near Vredendal in the Western Cape has achieved its full commercial operation on 31 March.

This comes after the commitments made by Eskom in terms of both time and cost and is a result of a successful interaction between Eskom and its contractors.

“Sere is our first large-scale renewable energy project and forms part of our commitment to renewable energy and reducing our carbon footprint,” Mr Brian Molefe, acting chief executive, said.

Mr Molefe also said the plant adds 100MW to the national power grid and contributes to saving nearly 6-million tons of greenhouse gas emissions over its 20 years expected operating life, with an average annual energy production of about 298 000MWh, enough to supply about 124 000 standard homes.

“The unwavering commitment of the project team to drive the target dates set out and address issues in time is something we can be proud of,” he said.

The Sere Wind Farm consists of 46 wind turbines which have all been energised.

The construction of the new Skaapvlei substation and a 44km 132kV distribution line have also been completed.

“The project is one of the largest wind energy projects in South Africa and it is important in showing Eskom’s commitment to the growing role that renewable power will play in the future.”

They are also developing a 100MW concentrating solar plant project in the Northern Cape, which will save about 450 000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime.