Development of a localisation strategy for the South African wind energy industry

An investigation into the development of a wind energy industrial strategy for South Africa was undertaken by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and RisØ-DTU of Denmark. This wind energy industrial strategy project aims to play a strategic role in paving the way for the gradual phasing in of wind energy in South Africa. The global and South African wind industries, energy markets and support mechanisms were critically reviewed where after a strategic analysis was undertaken to establish the economics of South African wind energy projects and scenarios for local manufacture were developed. It is beneficial to the South African economy that as much of the wind farm development costs are spent in South Africa as possible. Consequently, four scenarios for the localisation of wind-energy projects in South Africa have been proposed.