Project details
1387 · Wind energy
  • De Aar, South Africa
Wind energy fosters community benefits in South Africa

Close to the town of De Aar in South Africa, 96 wind turbines have been producing an average of 439,600 MWh of electricity per year since 2017, which is being fed into the South African grid. The aim of the project is to harness the region's wind energy potential to balance its energy needs in a sustainable way.

The share of electricity now supplied by the wind farm would have otherwise been generated by fossil fuels. The wind power project avoids about 433,920 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. In addition to the environmental benefits, the project assists the local community by creating jobs and improving the access to healthcare. The project supports local football clubs by funding equipment, events, travel and much more. It also provides financial funds to the Richmond Untied Ladies Football Club, the only female club in De Aar playing in the premier league.

How wind energy contributes to climate action

As the name suggests, wind turbines use the power of the wind to generate energy. During this process, a generator located inside the wind turbine converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. As energy is still mainly generated from fossil fuels in many areas around the world, clean wind energy can replace some of this fossil, high-emission energy and verifiably save CO2 emissions.

In most cases, the sustainably generated electricity from the wind power projects is fed into a regional power grid, which diversifies the power supply and improves energy security in regions that are frequently affected by power shortages and outages. A project often creates increased job opportunities for the local population and the area can be used for additional activities, such as agriculture. Wind power projects make an important contribution to a clean energy supply worldwide and contribute to sustainable development with respect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Wind energy projects in the ClimatePartner portfolio are registered with international standards.

Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Good Health and Well-BeingThe project provides health services to the local community including primary healthcare, dental, eye and COVID-19 related services with a Mobile Health Clinic. So far, 35,251 people have been screened.
Quality EducationThe project supports a math enrichment programme for pupils in 10 primary and 4 high schools to and encourage interest in this subject. Three Early Childhood Development Centres were renovated to support about 155 children between 2 and 6. About 108 students are currently on the project’s bursary scheme that covers tuition, accommodation, books, food, and laptops.
Clean Water and SanitationBy rehabilitating five existing and drilling one new borehole the project provides clean water to 6,502 people in the local community.
Affordable and Clean EnergyThe project provides 439,600 MWh of clean electricity to the grid per year.
Climate ActionThe project saves about 433,920 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Project standardVerified Carbon Standard (VCS)TechnologyWind energyRegionDe Aar, South AfricaEstimated annual emission reductions433,929 t CO2Validated byCarbon Check (India) Private Ltd.Verified byTÜV SÜD South Asia Private Limited