The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy's Independent Power Producer's Office says the Northern Cape now has 59 renewable energy projects across a range of clean energy technologies, including solar, wind and hydro in 2021.
The total power installed capacity in 2021 is around 58,000 MW. The breakdown of generation is as follows:
- Hydro - 3,500 MW - 6% of generation capacity
- Thermal (mainly coal) - 48,000 MW - 80% of generation capacity
- Wind - 2,500 MW - 4% of generation capacity
- Solar - 2,500 MW - 4% of generation capacity
There are plans in place to increase renewable energy generation to 18,000 MW in the future.
References: https://www.usaid.gov/powerafrica/south-africa & https://energypedia.info/wiki/South_Africa_Energy_Situation & http://www.wasaproject.info/
The below image represents the best area's for Wind farms.
- Noupoort Wind Farm (E Noupoort 10km)
- Khobab Wind Farm (N Loeriesfontein 57km)
- Copperton Wind Farm (SW Prieska 60km)
- Karusa & Soetwater Wind Farms (S Sutherland)
The capacity of each plant ranges from 80 MW to 140 MW each. Refer to each individual link for more information on each site. The above figures change continuously and are dated for 2021.