Wind energy Africa is surging, strengthening the Africa power sector with renewable power as the continent’s 250 GW Africa power generation capacity struggles to meet rising Africa electricity consumption.
With a wind potential of 110 GW (IRENA), wind power projects are key to a clean energy wind future. Here’s a deep dive into the top 10 wind energy projects across Africa, breaking down their capacities and roles in shaping the Africa energy future.
1. Lake Turkana Wind Farm (Kenya) – 310 MW
Africa’s largest wind farm, Kenya’s Lake Turkana, powers 1 million homes with 310 MW. Completed in 2018 with 365 turbines, it harnesses Rift Valley winds, delivering 15% of Kenya’s power. Costing $650 million, this wind infrastructure project showcases energy innovation, cutting diesel reliance despite initial grid delays. It’s a cornerstone of wind adoption in East Africa.
2. Zafarana Wind Farm (Egypt) – 545 MW
Egypt’s Zafarana, on the Gulf of Suez, boasts 545 MW across eight phases (2000-2010). Upgraded in 2024 with AI-optimized turbines, it powers 500,000 homes. With wind speeds up to 10.5 m/s, it taps Africa wind market potential, supporting Egypt’s 42% renewable goal by 2035. Wind investment here reflects North Africa’s clean energy wind push.
3. Tarfaya Wind Farm (Morocco) – 300 MW
Morocco’s Tarfaya, operational since 2014, generates 300 MW with 131 turbines. Located on the windy Atlantic coast, it powers 250,000 households, cutting 250,000 tons of CO2 yearly. Part of Morocco’s 2,000 MW wind goal, this wind power project underscores wind adoption in a nation with 1.5 GW installed capacity by 2025.
4. Taiba N’Diaye Wind Farm (Senegal) – 158 MW
Senegal’s Taiba N’Diaye, completed in 2020, delivers 158 MW via 46 turbines. Backed by $1 billion from the EU, it electrifies 2 million people, boosting rural access from 30% to 50%. Producing 15% of Senegal’s power, this clean energy wind project highlights wind investment’s role in West Africa’s energy mix.
5. Khobab Wind Farm (South Africa) – 140 MW
In South Africa’s Northern Cape, Khobab’s 140 MW powers 170,000 homes with 61 turbines. Operational since 2017, it generates 563 GWh yearly, cutting 550,000 tons of CO2. Part of the REIPPPP, it reflects South Africa’s 2,000 MW wind infrastructure, a leader in Africa power sector renewables.
6. Loeriesfontein Wind Farm (South Africa) – 140 MW
Khobab’s twin, Loeriesfontein, also delivers 140 MW with 61 turbines. Spanning 8,500 acres, it mirrors Khobab’s output—563 GWh yearly—supporting 170,000 households. Owned by a Lekela-led consortium, it’s a testament to wind adoption in South Africa, where wind farms cut coal use by 5% since 2011.
7. Roggeveld Wind Farm (South Africa) – 147 MW
Roggeveld, near the Western and Northern Cape border, produces 147 MW with 47 turbines. Operational since 2021, it generates 613 GWh yearly, powering 49,200 homes. Owned by Red Rocket, this wind power project bolsters South Africa’s renewable wind capacity, targeting 5,000 MW by 2030.
8. Cookhouse Wind Farm (South Africa) – 138.6 MW
In Eastern Cape, Cookhouse’s 138.6 MW comes from 66 Suzlon turbines. Since 2014, it supplies 341 GWh yearly, powering 43,000 homes and cutting 384,000 tons of CO2. This wind infrastructure project, owned by Old Mutual and AIIM, showcases energy innovation in South Africa’s REIPPPP.
9. Adama II Wind Farm (Ethiopia) – 153 MW
Ethiopia’s Adama II, completed in 2016, adds 153 MW with 102 turbines. Costing $340 million, it powers 200,000 homes, complementing the 51 MW Adama I. With wind investment from China, it supports Ethiopia’s renewable push, where the 6,450 MW GERD dominates but wind fills rural gaps.
10. Kangnas Wind Farm (South Africa) – 140 MW
Kangnas, operational since 2020 in Northern Cape, delivers 140 MW, generating 513 GWh yearly for 155,000 homes. With 56 turbines, it cuts 550,000 tons of CO2 annually. Another REIPPPP success, it highlights South Africa’s lead in Africa wind market capacity—3.4 GW by 2023.
Read Also: The Role of International Funding in Africa’s Energy Projects
Capacity Breakdown and Insights
- Total Capacity: 2,372.6 MW across these 10 projects.
- South Africa Dominates: Five projects (705.6 MW) reflect its 2,000 MW wind total, 30% of Africa’s 7 GW installed capacity.
- Regional Spread: East (Kenya, Ethiopia), North (Egypt, Morocco), West (Senegal), and South Africa show wind’s versatility.
- Output: These farms power over 5 million homes, cutting millions of tons of CO2 yearly.
Why It Matters
With Africa electricity consumption growing 4% yearly (IEA), these wind power projects address a 600-million off-grid crisis. Wind’s 5-cent/kWh cost beats diesel’s 15 cents, driving clean energy wind adoption.
Yet, only 7 GW of 110 GW potential is tapped due to grid and funding gaps—$100 billion yearly is needed, but $20 billion flows in. As wind investment rises, these projects light the path for an Africa energy future where renewables meet demand sustainably.
