PetroSA aims to study feasibility of offshore wind farming in South African waters
Could South Africa get its first offshore wind farm?
SOUTH AFRICA: As a holder of several offshore rights within South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), PetroSA has launched a call to undertake a technical and economic study for the development of offshore wind energy farms in the southern and western coastal regions.
Despite data that indicates that offshore wind speeds along the coast do not support offshore wind energy projects, PetroSA is seeking to better understand the needs and limitations or gaps in the market to develop an offshore project. The SOE has launched a request for information (RFI) that aims to provide information that will allow it to multiuse its offshore assets to diversify its revenue stream and service offerings.
The RFI focuses on Offshore Block 9 and 11 A off the southern coast of South Africa near Mossel Bay which includes the FA Platform processing facility as well as a network of subsea infrastructure. Given the costs associated with the decommissioning of this infrastructure, the document requires the study to include the possible re-use of the platform.
The study will also need to determine environmental and relevant regulatory considerations that are not limited to water depth, ocean currents, wind power density, wind speed, shipping lanes, proximity to shore, marine protected areas, and interaction with the fishing industry.
In addition, it should also include an overview of the development and consenting processes for commercial-scale offshore wind production in South Africa. Applicable acts and regulations will also need to be considered and outlined within the roadmap for the development of an offshore wind farm.
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