Written By: Faith Jemosop
Why does Global Wind Day matter, and what can South Africa learn from a decade of wind energy success?
Today, 15 June, the world celebrates Global Wind Day, an international occasion to spotlight the critical role of wind energy in promoting sustainable development, energy security, and job creation. As countries ramp up clean energy commitments, South Africa has a homegrown success story to mark this day: the Aurora Wind Farm, which just celebrated 10 years of operation.
Organised by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), a site visit to the Aurora Wind Farm on 11 June served as both a commemoration and a call to action for expanding renewable energy investment in the country.
Aurora Wind Farm, A Decade of Clean Power
Commissioned in 2014, the Aurora Wind Farm is located near Vredendal in the Western Cape. Developed, constructed, and now operated by Aurora Wind Power, it stands as a symbol of South Africa’s early commitment to utility-scale renewable energy.
The project has a total capacity of 94 megawatts (MW) and consists of 47 wind turbines, each generating 2 MW. The wind farm contributes enough power to the national grid to meet the energy needs of approximately 80,000 households annually, according to estimates from ENGIE, which holds a majority share in the project through its local subsidiary and is a key SAWEA member.
Why Wind Energy Matters to South Africa
Wind energy is not just a technology, it’s a pillar of energy transformation.
South Africa is a country that faces chronic energy insecurity, with load shedding frequently disrupting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The national utility, Eskom, remains financially and operationally strained, and fossil fuel dependency continues to pose both environmental and economic risks.
Wind energy offers a viable alternative. According to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), South Africa has an onshore wind potential of over 30,000 MW. Yet, as of 2024, only about 3,500 MW has been installed.
Why the lag? Bottlenecks in grid capacity, slow government procurement processes, and regulatory uncertainty have all played a role. However, successful projects like Aurora prove that with the right partnerships, wind energy is not only feasible but transformative.
What Aurora Wind Farm Teaches Us
- Longevity and Reliability
Aurora has delivered uninterrupted service since 2014, making it one of the earliest and most consistent contributors to the national Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). - Public-Private Partnership Success
The farm is a result of collaboration between local and international investors, engineers, and government frameworks. ENGIE’s involvement ensured global expertise was combined with local operational capacity. - Community and Economic Benefits
Over its operational life, Aurora has invested millions of rands in community development initiatives, ranging from education and healthcare to skills training. Local employment during construction and operations helped stimulate the regional economy.
Wind Energy’s Role in a Just Energy Transition
As the world moves towards decarbonisation, South Africa is uniquely positioned to benefit from a just energy transition, a shift to clean energy that also addresses inequality and unemployment.
Wind power, unlike coal or gas, does not produce greenhouse gases during operation. It uses no water, makes no toxic waste, and has a smaller footprint per kilowatt-hour compared to solar in many locations. Furthermore, the wind sector in South Africa has shown that it can create long-term jobs, especially in rural areas where economic opportunities are scarce.
Also read:Can Battery Storage Stop Load Shedding in South Africa?
According to SAWEA, the wind industry has already created over 40,000 job-years since the launch of REIPPPP. If accelerated, the sector could support over 250,000 job-years by 2030.
With the celebration of Global Wind Day and the Aurora milestone, stakeholders are once again asking:
- Can South Africa double or triple its wind energy output by 2030?
- Will the government fast-track REIPPPP Bid Window 7 and clear policy hurdles?
- Can private investors and municipalities lead where national actors delay?
Recent developments offer cautious optimism. The IRP 2019 (Integrated Resource Plan) anticipates at least 14,400 MW of wind capacity by 2030, and the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill, if passed, could liberalise the market further.
However, unlocking this potential will require resolving grid access delays, expediting environmental approvals, and ensuring local communities benefit equitably from future projects.
Wind Energy on the Rise
Globally, wind energy is booming. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), more than 100 GW of new wind power was added worldwide in 2023, with cumulative capacity surpassing 1,000 GW.
China, the U.S., Germany, and Brazil are among the leaders, but Africa remains a frontier market, with South Africa as the continent’s leading player.
This year’s Global Wind Day theme emphasizes “Wind Works for All”, highlighting wind energy’s role in not just climate mitigation but economic justice, energy access, and local empowerment. The Aurora Wind Farm embodies this principle on South African soil.
