Situated approximately 52km east of the town of Springbok in the Nama Khoi Local Municipality of the Northern Cape, Kangnas wind farm is a 140 MW project that completed in the fourth round of the South Africa Government Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

The windfarm reached commercial operations in December 2020, joining four other completed windfarms in the 600 MW portfolio owned and operated by a Lekela-led consortium across South Africa. The project is expected to generate electricity for the next 20 years, providing approximately 500 GWh of clean, economic and renewable energy to the grid for up to 154,625 South African homes.

This project uses 61 Siemens SWT-2.3-108 wind turbines each capable of producing 2.3 megawatts. Each turbine has a 108-meter rotor diameter and a 115 MM hub height.

In addition to the wind turbines and foundations, a network of medium voltage array cabling has been constructed, collecting the energy generated and transmitting it to an on-site substation. The project substation has increased the voltage of the electricity generated to the interconnection level, after which it will be transported to the grid connection point. A network of on-site roads and crane hardstands has been constructed to allow maintenance of the wind turbine generators and supporting equipment.

As with all Lekela projects, the Kangnas site was built through local employment, with the windfarm providing over 550 jobs at the peak of construction, as well as supporting several long-term operations and maintenance jobs over the next 20 years. Lekela also sought to ensure that as many of the components as possible were sourced or manufactured in South Africa including the turbine towers themselves and the transformers at the site.

Lekela plays an active role in the local community around the Kangnas wind farm, and together with its sister windfarm Perdekraal East, is expected to contribute over ZAR 800m to the local community during its lifespan. Additionally, the local community benefits from a 15% shareholding in the wind farm through a community trust established at financial close.

Lekela also continues to invest in meaningful development projects in the community, addressing skills gaps, developing sustainable livelihoods and tackling environmental issues to create long-term impact.

For more information about Kangnas wind farm, visit kangnaswind.co.za