Hout Bay is set to become on the countries first beneficiaries of free wind generated electricity thanks to a new pilot program which gets underway during the first week of April 2008.
Wind power has become more and more popular as a renewable energy source reducing greenhouse gas emissions when it replaces fossil-fuel-derived electricity. The use of wind powered generation has increased fivefold within the last seven years. Wind power available in the atmosphere is much greater than the world’s total energy consumption, with some studies quoting a figure 5 times that of current consumption.
Denmark has emerged as a world leader in wind farms, with 15% of its energy already provided from wind turbines. Mr. Olaf Priol, the Overseas Director of Wind Energy International Resource and Distribution, says that his company was approached last year by Eskom to identify various South African sites. While the most obvious choices are places like the Karoo, there are obvious benefits to using coastal resorts as well.”
Mr. Priol says that Hout Bay was chosen for the pilot project due to its natural terrain which would allow for wind farms to be set up on the mountainsides exposed to the sea. The best sites identified include the Sentinel and the level platforms above the Orangekloof mountain. The first phase shall begin on the Dungeons on the other side of the Sentinel mountain. The Dungeons are famous for their big waves and the year round strong winds.
Mr. Priol mentioned that most of the wind turbines would be hidden from view, but that there would be at least one row of turbines along the saddle and the ridge of the Sentinel, giving a pleasing “mane” effect to Hout Bay’s most famous backdrop.
Initially the electricity generated will be free to registered users, however due to high demand the user database is to be capped. Registration opens on Tuesday the first of April, from 10:00am and closes strictly at 11:59. Interested parties may register their interest by sending name and address via sms to 0832991133. Regret only Hout Bay residents will be considered for the pilot scheme.
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