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I-WEC's big wind turbine mould is unveiled
Engineering News reports that local wind power company Isivunguvungu Wind Energy Converter (I-WEC) unveiled a 42-t mould that would be used to locally manufacture Africa's first multi-megawatt wind turbines. Arriving by ship from China, the mould will be used to manufacture 50m long rotor blades - larger than the span of an Airbus wing. At 2.5-MW, I-WEC's turbines would be nearly double the size and capacity of the 1.3-MW turbines currently in use in South Africa.
About 70% of the turbines' components will be manufactured locally.
I-WEC said production of its first turbine would start immediately in order to erect the final product in Saldanha in early 2012. A welcomed project for South Africa's embattled manufacturing sector, the R100-million investment would create between 70 and 100 direct jobs in the Western Cape, in the next two years. At project peak, and depending on market conditions, about 400 direct jobs could be created in the next five years.
I-WEC spokesperson and financial manager Thomas Schaal said the investment enabled the company to contribute to the local economy significantly through the establishment of a local turbine manufacturing facility. "The company will deliver on creating sustainable jobs and skills development contributing to the growth and development of the renewable energy sector in South Africa and Africa," said Schaal.
Read the full article on www.engineeringnews.co.za.
