The first of a planned 35 wind turbines has been erected at the R1.9-billion, 305 000 MWh/y Noupoort wind farm, in the Northern Cape, marking a pivotal point in the farm’s development and preceding the imminent energisation of the substation.

The turbines, which were 100 m tall to allow for optimum energy production, took a single day to construct, assuming favourable weather. The three 53 m blades, which were made from fibreglass-reinforced epoxy, were connected to the rotor at ground level before being lifted to the top of the turbine. 

“This is a complicated lifting exercise, in which one crane raises the assembled rotor, while another smaller crane and taglines guide the rotor into the correct position.

“With two cranes working simultaneously, it is really impressive to watch the 108 m diameter rotor being lifted,” commented project manager Martina Flanagan.

The erection of the inaugural turbine followed the completion of all 35 wind turbine foundations ahead of schedule last month.

The project also recently received its primary transformer, which was responsible for increasing the voltage from 33 kV to 132 KV –  the voltage at which the energy would be transferred to Eskom’s national grid.

This wind farm was expected to start supplying electricity to the national grid by mid-2016 and would become the first wind farm to complete construction in the province as part of the third round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

“We are extremely pleased to be on schedule and on budget,” added Flanagan.

Reflecting on the project’s major milestones, she said construction of the wind turbine generator foundations started in May, with all 35 completed before schedule on November 20.

Transportation of the various components started on October 19, with over 100 of the 315 abnormal loads having already successfully made their way to the wind farm. 

“It is expected that 160 loads will be delivered before the end of the year, when transportation will be halted for the school holiday period,” she held.

Siemens Wind Power, along with subcontractors Fairwind and BMS, were responsible for the turbine installation.