Name and Location
Wind tower manufacturing facility, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Client
The project is a joint initiative between DCD Wind Towers, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Coega Development Corporation (CDC).

Project Description
The wind tower manufacturing facility is being established to support the localisation of the wind turbine industry in South Africa. It is located in Zone 3 of the Coega industrial development zone (IDZ) and will be the first of its kind for the Eastern Cape.

The project involves the construction of a 23 000 m² wind tower manufacturing facility and associated infrastructure on behalf of renewable-energy company DCD Wind Energy, in the Coega  IDZ. The project will include bulk earthworks; a 600 m² office block; 400 m² of change rooms and ablution facilities; concreted, paved and gravel hardstand areas; site works, services, the paving of roads, a parking area and walkways; as well as a perimeter fence and gatehouse.

The tubular towers will be up to 120 m in height and the plant is expected to produce 110 towers a year, with the intention to increase production to 200 towers a year, depending on the outcome of the third bidding round of government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme and the number of other local wind tower manufacturers that will enter the market.

Value
R300-million.

Duration
The factory will come into operation in November and reach full production by February or March 2014.

Latest Developments
Engineering group DCD has reported that it is on track to complete the construction of its wind tower manufacturing facility, in the Coega IDZ,  by February 3, 2014.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
The project is on schedule, despite delays, owing to strikes in the construction sector.

Contact Details for Project Information
DCD Wind Energy, tel +27 21 447 7404, fax +27 86 639 4676 or email hschoeman@dcd.co.za.