Milestone for Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm

Components for the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm in the Eastern Cape, which recently arrived at the Port of Ngqura outside Port Elizabeth, will be transported to the construction site from Monday 22 July 2013.

Milestone for Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm
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The wind farm, when completed, is expected to supply enough energy to power more than 114 000 homes and prevent more than 420 000t of carbon emissions each year. Once on site, between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp, the components will be offloaded beside the wind turbine foundation. Two cranes will be used to erect the turbines and it is estimated that two wind turbines will be erected each week. Final commissioning of the turbines will take place following connection of the electrical works.

“Our team is committed to making every effort to minimise traffic disruptions during this period,” said Mark Pickering, General Manager of Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm. Trucks with oversized trailers, of up to 50m in length, will start transporting wind turbine components from the Port of Ngqura to Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm during the early morning of Tuesday 22 July 2013. From then until 31 January 2014, regular deliveries will be made throughout weekdays.

Due to regulations, deliveries will not be made over weekends or on public holidays, or at night. “There may be exceptional circumstances, where prior notification will be given to transport over a weekend,” explained Pickering. Transport schedules will be made available from 22 July via the wind farm’s website, www.jeffreysbaywindfarm.co.za, and adverts that will be run in local newspapers to assist commuters in their planning.

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“Due to the length of the transportation vehicles, we urge other road users not to overtake, unless in a passing lane or dual carriageway,” said Pickering. Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm will comprise 60 turbines on 3 700ha. The site was chosen for its optimal wind conditions and minimal environmental constraints, as well as its close proximity to a 132kV Eskom grid line.
The wind farm is expected to start supplying electricity to the national grid by mid-2014.