When people discuss renewable energy in Africa, solar dominates the conversation. Quietly, wind energy has been building some of the continent’s largest infrastructure projects. The biggest wind farms today are concentrated in Kenya, Egypt, Morocco and South Africa.
1. Red Sea Wind Energy Project, Egypt
Capacity: 650MW
The Red Sea Wind Energy project recently became Africa’s largest wind farm. Located near the Gulf of Suez, it can power more than one million households annually.
2. Lake Turkana Wind Power, Kenya
Capacity: 310MW
Lake Turkana remains one of Africa’s most important renewable energy projects. Its 365 turbines generate up to 310MW and supply a significant share of Kenya’s electricity system.
3. Tarfaya Wind Farm, Morocco
Capacity: 301MW
Built along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline, Tarfaya occupies roughly 100 square kilometres and forms part of Morocco’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported fuels.
4. Ras Ghareb Wind Farm, Egypt
Capacity: 262.5MW
The project became one of Egypt’s early independent power producer successes.
5. Adama Wind Farms, Ethiopia
Combined Capacity: 204MW
Ethiopia has steadily expanded wind generation as part of a broader renewable energy strategy.
Why Wind Energy Is Growing
Three factors explain the growth. Coastal regions have strong wind resources. Technology costs have fallen. Countries are seeking alternatives to imported fossil fuels. Wind will likely remain concentrated in a handful of regions where weather patterns support large-scale generation. Geography ultimately decides where wind can become profitable.
