Located between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape, the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm site spans 3700 hectares. The site’s optimal wind conditions, relatively flat topography, minimal environmental constraints and its close proximity to the 132kV Eskom grid line, make it an ideal wind energy resource.
Arising from the South African Government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Eskom as well as an Implementation Agreement with the Department of Energy.
The project reached Commercial Operations Date mid-2014, having started construction in December 2012. The wind farm supplies 460 000 MWh per year, enough clean, renewable electrical energy to meet the needs of 100 000 average South African households. The project effectively reduces annual carbon emissions by 420 000 tonnes and lifetime carbon emissions by 8 400 000.
The project received full Environmental Authorisation from the Department of Environmental Affairs in 2011 and has many environmental benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and water saving – get details on these here
The local community benefits from the project in many ways, including:
PAIA Manual: JeffreysBay Wind Farm PAIA Manual
Request for Information Form: Form C Request for Information
