Components have started to be transported for the wind turbines at the 80MW Noupoort wind farm in the Umsobomvu local municipality in Northern Cape, South Africa.
The first wind turbine tower sections, made by GRI – Renewable Industries, have left Atlantis, Cape Town and wind turbine blades have departed from the Port of Ngqura in Port Elizabeth.
Trucks with oversized trailers, varying in size of up to 57m in length, will deliver the various components to the project over the next five months.
Siemens is supplying the turbines, with transportation carried out by DHL and ALE.
The R300m facility currently employs 240 people and this will increase to 270 in 2016.
More than 40% of the wind farm’s value has been achieved with locally-manufactured materials.
Noupoort Wind Farm project manager Martina Flanagan said: “We are delighted to be receiving the first of these locally manufactured wind turbine towers at Noupoort wind farm.
“Local content has a vital role to play in the long-term growth and sustainability of South Africa’s hugely successful renewable energy programme.”
Image: Noupoort foundations (Noupoort wind farm)
