uMkhanyakude’s proposed wind farm

THE final scoping report of the proposed St Lucia Wind Farm, to be situated within 10km of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the east and 10km of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in the west, has been made available. The site lies on 4 500 hectares currently used for cattle farming (lobola and other traditional Zulu ceremonies) in the north and sugar cane, timber and pineapples on the rest. Should the wind farm go ahead, it will consist of between 25 and 37 turbines, each generating between 2 and 3 megawatts (MW) of power, the entire farm generating a maximum 100MW. Eskom currently generates 95% of South Africa’s energy with an approximate 40 gigawatt (GW) maximum installed capacity. By 2020 an additional 20GW will be required to sustain the country’s demands and by 2030, a further 40GW. The National Energy Policy has called for a change in energy mix to reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuels. South Africa aims to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by 30% – 40% by 2050. Reason for proposed location there are good wind resources suitable for a large wind farm. Moreover, localised wind intensifies by the funneling effect caused by surrounding topographical features. Its close proximity to substations and power lines, as well as easy access from the N2 contributes to the chosen location. Electricity supply is one of the biggest challenges in the district, with large tracts of tribal land not electrified. Should the project go ahead, however, clearing of large areas of indigenous vegetation to construct access roads, substations and turbine foundations would be necessary. Overhead or underground power lines would connect the substation to the Eskom grid. Wind turbines have a lifespan of more than 25 years if maintained appropriately. Thereafter, the site would be decommissioned. Potential pitfalls Riverine vegetation bordering the site’s Hluhluwe River border is vital to species including rodents, frogs and lizards. Three reptile species of ‘conservation concern’ could occur within the site while the python and gloss snake’s restricted ranges could be negatively affected, threatening the species’ survival, on construction of the wind farm. While the proposed site doesn’t fall within HiP or iSimangaliso, historical records indicate the presence of six near threatened and five vulnerable species in the area. The study site allegedly forms part of KZN Wildlife’s planned False Bay Corridor, earmarked for the Protected Areas Expansion Strategy. This, as well as the potential environmental and visual impacts raised by societies including Birdlife SA, WESSA and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, will be considered during the environmental impact assessment.