The Evaluation of Wind Energy Potentials in South Africa
E. C. Merem, Y. Twumasi, J. Wesley, D. Olagbegi, M. Crisler, C. Romorno, M. Alsarari, P. Isokpehi, A. Hines, G. Hirse, G. S. Ochai, E. Nwagboso, S. Fageir, S. Leggett, J. Offiah, S. Emeakpor
Abstract
The essence of unhindered access to wind energy supply in the daily operations of most sectors of the economy from health to agriculture remains very indisputable. With the lethargic power flow in many African nations coupled with scarcity in supplies and the insecurity coming with limited access. The recourse to alternative energy continues to grow. Accordingly, South Africa has emerged as a new frontier of wind energy given the appeal and availability. Known for its low carbon footprint amidst the minimal exposures to the risks of environmental pollution now that nations are saddled with compliance to global protocols requiring the enforcement of mitigation measures in combatting climate change. The prospects of wind power integration into the large energy policy mix have garnered huge momentum in South Africa. Being the second largest economy in the continent with vast raw materials of untapped wind power in abundance in both inland and coast lines in the proximity of two oceans and desert environments. South Africa is better placed to harness the benefits of wind power to sustain its various sectors. Notwithstanding the primacy of conventional power supply, the potentials for wind energy remains widespread with the surge in new facilities coupled with its projections as the likely source of 14% of electricity by 2030 in the nation. Since this comes with ecological, physical, socio-economic impacts and some benefits, no serious efforts have been made to track the state of wind power potentials with a mix scale model. Accordingly, this study will fill that void by assessing the potentials with emphasis on the issues, trends, factors, efforts, and impacts using descriptive statistics and GIS. The results show strong capacities in wind power loads through the presence of new and existing amenities, and the dominance of the study area as a leader in wind assets in Africa. With GIS mappings pinpointing spatial concentration and the spread of wind power loads across states and provinces due to several indicators from economy to the environment. The paper proffered solutions anchored in regular monitoring, robust investment, the design of additional facilities, effective policy, and the development of a regional wind power information system and public education.