The COVID-19 pandemic in Q1 of 2020 has resulted in a decline in overall energy consumption, disrupted the supply chains, and slowed down onshore and offshore wind construction activities around the country. For Instance: On 25 March, 2021 Government has issued a notice was issued which states that, amongst other things, classified electricity production, supply, and maintenance as essential services and, by implication, meant that renewable energy projects under construction were not classified as essential services and would have to cease operation under level 4 lockdown. Thus, The projects under construction had to stop operation when lockdown started as they were not listed as an essential service. Factors, such as increasing population and rising power demand, along with auctioned projects for wind energy during 2022-2027, is expected to drive the market in the forecast period. With auctions for multiple projects and ambitious goals to achieve in the future, South Africa is investing significantly in the growth of wind energy. On the other hand, the high initial cost for wind energy installation, development of new grid networks, and delays in new projects are expected to restrain the market.
- Onshore segment installations will dominate the market during the forecast period.
- According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity generation from wind energy in South Africa is expected to reach 81 TWh by 2040, which is anticipated to create ample opportunities for market players in the coming period.
- Government Initiatives and upcoming projects to drive the market during the forecast period.
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How do wind turbines work?
Wind turbine blades rotate when hit by the wind. And this doesn’t have to be a strong wind, either: the blades of most turbines will start turning at a wind speed of 3-5 meters per second, which is a gentle breeze.
It’s this spinning motion that turns a shaft in the nacelle – which is the box-like structure at the top of a wind turbine. A generator built into the nacelle then converts the kinetic energy of the turning shaft into electrical energy. This then passes through a transformer, which steps up the voltage so it can be transported on the National Grid or used by a local site.
Tracking wind energy in South AfricaFrom micro-turbines for an individual house right up to enormous, off-shore windfarms, all wind turbines use the same mechanics to generate electricity.
How much electricity can a wind turbine create?
Most onshore wind turbines have a capacity of 2-3 megawatts (MW), which can produce over 6 million kilowatt hours (kwh) of electricity every year. That’s enough to meet the electricity demand of around 1,500 average households.
Up to a certain level, the faster the wind blows, the more electricity is generated. In fact, when the wind speed doubles, up to eight times more electricity is generated. But if the wind is too strong, turbines will shut themselves down to prevent being damaged.
All this means that the ability of a wind turbine to generate the maximum amount of power it can depends on the wind. Wind farms are carefully planned to make sure they’re in locations with a reliable amount of wind all year round. This tends to be on the summit of a hilltop with lots of open space around, and in coastal locations. It’s why there are quite a lot of wind farms in places such as Cornwall and Scotland.
How efficient is wind power?
The UK’s exposed position on the north-western edge of Europe makes it particularly windy, with Scotland being the windiest place in the whole of the continent.
The wind blows all year round – making wind power a reliable renewable power source. It also tends to be windiest in winter, meaning wind turbines can produce are producing more power at the time of the year when we’re also using the most electricity.
Both of these points make the UK well positioned to make the most of both offshore and onshore wind power and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Another added bonus is the low carbon footprint that is created in building wind farms – it’s one of the smallest among new renewable generators.
