South Africa has, in three years, become the largest wind power producer on the continent, generating 1.4 GW from 600 wind turbines.
South African Wind Energy Association CEO Brenda Martin said the industry should be proud of not only generating clean, green, renewable power but also contributing to rural communities.
Since the first project under the first round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) started commercial operation at the end of 2013, 15 220 GWh have been generated, reducing carbon emissions by 15.4-million tons.
Wind projects have contributed 7 603 GWh, reducing carbon emissions by 7.7-million tons.
Martin noted that wind power had cut the power-related use of water by around 600-million litres a year. While the implementation of the later rounds of the REIPPPP had been delayed, this initial developmental impact could still grow exponentially once outstanding power purchase agreements had been signed.