Wind Powers South Africa, Bringing Green Energy to Thousands of Homes

Photo shows a distant view of the De Aar Wind Power Project. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)

Chronic power shortages have long constrained Africa's industrial and urban growth, making China's advanced wind turbine manufacturing capabilities a structural complement to the continent's surging energy demand.

Located in South Africa's wind-rich Northern Cape Province, the De Aar Wind Farm with a total investment of approximately RMB 2.5 billion boasts an installed capacity of 244.5 MW from 163 turbines (each 1.5 MW). The project has been operating reliably since its commissioning in 2017, supplying around 770 million kWh of electricity annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 5.5 million tonnes cumulatively, and lighting up 300,000 households.

By integrating investment, construction, and operation, the project supports South Africa's energy mix diversification and fosters sustainable local development.

Kirtan Bhana, Founding Editor of the Diplomatic Society of South Africa, stated that South Africa plans to boost the share of solar and wind energy in the country's energy mix from 7% to 40% by 2030, and with the support of Chinese enterprises, the government is more confident than ever in achieving this goal.

An aerial photo taken on Oct. 22, 2025 shows a substation of the De Aar Wind Power Project.

Key Challenges

South Africa faces chronic power shortages and a high dependence on fossil fuels. To accelerate the energy transition, the government has formulated a national plan for clean energy development. However, the wind power sector lacks technical support, including experienced wind power equipment, engineering technology, and management standards.

Solution Pathways

The project deployed advanced wind turbines, complemented by supporting engineering technologies, management standards, and professional services, to build South Africa's largest wind farm. A one-stop "learning-practice-employment" mechanism was also implemented to nurture homegrown operational and technical talent.

Practical Benefits for Local Communities

The project has cumulatively supplied over 6.15 billion kWh of electricity, cutting annual standard coal consumption by 223,300 tonnes. It created more than 700 jobs during construction and currently provides over 100 permanent positions, with local staff accounting for over 80% of the workforce. The project has also trained 116 young local technicians, established a scholarship program, and renovated community water supply systems. It also builds and operates four early childhood education centers, and provides free mobile health clinic services.

Photo shows students in De Aar town lining up for check-ups in front of a medical bus. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)