SA winds perfect for power

22 February 2010 - 02:00
By Zweli Mokgata

EDDIE O'Connor is adamant that 90% of the world's electricity could easily come from renewable sources by 2050 if only world governments would commit to key energy policies in time.

The Department of Energy recently set a March deadline for the development of a legal framework for an Independent System Operator (ISO) that would replace Eskom.

The idea is to have a completely objective entity that would interact with power producers rather than the current situation where the country's electricity projects are largely driven by political motives.

O'Connor, chief executive of Ireland-based Mainstream Renewable Power, flew into South Africa this week to review an 18-month wind study in the Cape that will determine the quality of South African winds.

"Contrary to what Eskom says, South African winds are constant and predictable. South Africa has an almost perfect wind regime," he said.

"We've monitored eight sites scattered across the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape.