Wind farm meeting yields no answers

Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - With load shedding a familiar occurrence in South Africa due to breakdowns, coal problems and maintenance, renewable energy is at the top of everyone's mind.

During an informal meeting on Friday 5 February at the Graaff-Reinet show grounds, Sifiso Shongwe of Khulisana Investment Holdings (KIH), focussed on the potential of wind farms within the Dr Beyers Naude municipal area when he addressed the invited landowners from the Camdeboo Conservancy.

Shongwe said KIH was tasked to set up a Special Project Vehicle (SPV) to establish the feasibility of the generation of wind energy in the area, but he was mum on the issue of when and where such a farm will be established.

Not only was he tight-lipped about the preferred site for the wind farm, he also did not want to divulge the names of “clients” who support the project.

However, the fact that all the Camdeboo Conservancy landowners were invited to the meeting, makes it patently clear that the Camdeboo is high on the list of possible sites.

Shongwe said wind energy projects are being considered for the district due to the high wind speeds achieved along the Great Escarpment that stretches through the Great Karoo - according to him a more viable option than solar energy for this area.

He highlighted the economic benefits, such as job creation. “A mandatory percentage of the revenue earned from such a project must be ploughed back into the host community,” he said.

Compared to fracking, wind power is more environmentally friendly, but some landowners in the Camdeboo and local conservationists are concerned about the impact on raptors and vultures as well as on the natural beauty of the area.

Shongwe stressed that the meeting was just an informal information session with potential stakeholders and that a formal meeting will be scheduled to address concerns.