SA’s wind-energy potential is vast and not geographically constrained

Despite no wind energy projects being selected as preferred bidders in the sixth bid window (BW6) of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) says there is significant untapped wind potential in South Africa, with viable wind resources even being identified in areas previously not considered a first choice for wind energy project development. No wind projects were selected in BW6, owing to grid capacity in the traditional wind-resource-rich regions of the country having been accounted for as of 2022.