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.