Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas opened a new office in South Africa yesterday to support its expected future expansion in the region. The company has been active in the country for a number of years and says the new office has been opened in recognition of the bright future for wind energy in the region in the longer term.
Hans Jörn Rieks, President of Vestas Central Europe said: “Vestas sees Southern Africa – and South Africa in particular – as key emerging markets for us and as leaders in the development of wind energy in Africa…South Africa has made a solid commitment to a clean energy future and we want to build strong and constructive partnerships with customers, government, the energy industry and the sustainable development community to build a sustainable wind industry. We recognise that we have a responsibility not only to our customers, but to the environment around us, to our employees, and to all the communities we operate in.”
At the same time as the office was opened, Vestas commissioned a World Cup wind turbine (V90, 1.8MW) at the city of Port Elizabeth. The green electricity generated by the wind turbine is being given to the Nelson Mandela Bay football stadium in Port Elizabeth by the turbine developer and owner Electrawinds.
Todd
September 15th, 2010
I am a College Program Director of Wind Turbine Technology in the USA. I hold South Africa very dear to my heart and have made several trips to the Paarl area to do Sports Ministry in recent years.
It is my dream to create opportunities in South Africa in the field of Wind Technology and training so that an area that I consider to be filled with beauty and grace can develop and offer jobs to the people of that region. So many of the young men and women there are eager and willing to move into a brighter future but need the hope that this field of work is built on.
Hopefully some of the local colleges and trades schools will begin to offer classes, certifications, and degrees in Wind Technology. I have created curriculum and college training/degree programs here in the USA and would love to do the same in South Africa.
It is exciting to hear that Vestas has decided to locate an office in South Africa. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a huge push in that region.
Blessings,
meertelectric@netzero.com
Rodger Warren
May 24th, 2011
we are developing high rise buildings in Centurion in the Gauteng area, South Africa< and would like to incorporate renewable energy into our structures to provide the required electricity needed to function the buildings.
would you be able to recommend people or companies to assist us?
Regard,
Rodger Warren
Amanda
June 14th, 2011
Good day
I would like more information regarding the Wind Turbines, to generate approximate 2000 houses in a rural area or alternatively P.V systems that can power 800watts per day please advice or let me know were I could get such systems
Regards
Amanda
wind
June 24th, 2011
1 or 2, 2 Megawatt plus turbine would be needed to supply 2000 homes (depending on the wind speed of the site). You should try the turbine manufacturers Vestas, Siemens, Repower and Nordex. For solar PV – try First Solar http://www.firstsolar.com/en/index.php
Gerhard
July 19th, 2011
Hi Rodger, I would like to help with your installation, (if possible),could you send me some contact details?
Regards
Gerhard van Deventer
Energy Developments
gerhard.van.deventer@vodamail.co.za
+27722566598
Dennis
November 17th, 2011
I would like to get more information about courses i may take regarding Wind Turbines Technology, Any idea if there are are any local colleges or trade schools offering classes in the field of Wind Turbine Technology, if you have information please help.