Eskom’s wind energy project is not having a smooth take off according to the company; apparently recruitment problems and long-lead times could possibly delay the project. The company told Engineering News Online that the problems are also affecting the project’s budget.
The project involves the construction of a 100 MW wind farm on the Western Cape. The wind farm would allow for the storage of renewable energy for use during the evening peak demand.
In February, Eskom had signed a financing framework agreement for a 20-year €100-million loan with French development agency Agence Française de Dèveloppement for partial financing of the project.
The completion date for the wind farm was set for March 30, 2010; no new completion date has been put forward.
The Engineering News article said that while Eskom did not explain the issues that could affect the project extensively, it did venture to highlight the positive aspects of the wind energy project. The company said that the land acquisition for a third property has been concluded and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) held public hearings on the project on June 12. Eskom said that a submission would be made to the Nersa’s sub-committee on June 18 and it expects a final decision on June 30.
Commenting on the project’s progress, Eskom said that request for tenders for the EPC contract had closed on May 15. A technical and commercial evaluation was concluded on June 6, with a legal internal audit to follow in order to determine the outcome of the tender process and evaluation.