Projects

Floating offshore wind refers to an advanced renewable energy technology where wind turbines are mounted on floating platforms that are moored to the seabed using anchors. Currently, the main technology used for offshore wind farms is fixed bottom, where turbines are supported by foundations that are fixed directly to the seabed. Floating platforms allow the turbines to be installed in deeper waters, ranging from 40 to 1,000 meters, where traditional fixed-bottom turbines are not feasible. By harnessing the stronger and more consistent winds found far out at sea, floating offshore wind has the potential to generate significant amounts of clean energy.

For South Africa, this innovation is particularly relevant due to the country's deep coastal waters, where depths often exceed the limitations of traditional fixed-bottom turbines. Floating wind technology is perfectly suited to these conditions, enabling the nation to tap into its vast offshore wind resources. With South Africa's extensive maritime area and growing need for energy, floating wind could play a transformative role in diversifying the energy mix by adding large scale generation capacity and promoting sustainability.

Offshore wind power could be a transformative addition to South Africa's renewable energy strategy. The country’s exclusive economic zone has an impressive potential to install floating wind projects generating up to 2,387 terawatt-hours annually (GWEC Wind Energy Report, 2024). Harnessing this offshore wind resource could significantly bolster the country’s energy supply helping to meet additional demand and unlock economic potential.

South Africa's draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 (IRP2023) sets an ambitious target of achieving approximately 20 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Offshore wind could play a pivotal role in reaching these goals due to its scalability and ability to deliver consistent energy output. This technology aligns with the country’s focus on diversifying its energy mix and achieving a sustainable low-carbon future.

Investing in offshore wind also offers economic benefits. Wind energy already accounts for nearly ~45% of the R132 billion invested in renewable energy projects in South Africa. Expanding into offshore wind could further stimulate economic growth, create thousands of green jobs, and support local industries. It represents a unique opportunity for South Africa to simultaneously address its energy needs and its sustainability goals.

Offshore wind power offers several key advantages compared to onshore wind power. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to build larger wind farms offshore, where there is significantly more available area for installations. Unlike onshore wind farms, offshore facilities do not compete with valuable agricultural land or other land uses, making them a more efficient and less invasive option for generating renewable energy.

Additionally, offshore wind turbines can be designed to be much larger than their onshore counterparts which can enable a much more efficient use of seabed. The offshore environment typically has higher and more consistent winds at sea which enables the deployment of bigger turbines with greater capacity and more stable production. These larger turbines produce more power per square km, optimizing energy generation and making offshore wind farms highly efficient.

By addressing land-use concerns and maximizing turbine size, offshore wind power stands out as a scalable and powerful solution to meet growing energy demands while preserving precious terrestrial resources.

Yes, offshore wind turbines are large structures and the Gagasi project will be visible from land. The north and south ends of the Gagasi offshore area perimeter is located approximately 4.1 km and 13.6 km from shore, close to the Richards Bay port, respectively, these turbines will be noticeable from the shore. The impact of this visibility is an important consideration that will be fully assessed in the Environmental Impact Assessment process that the project is currently undertaking.

One of the key concerns often associated with turbine visibility is the potential impacts on tourism. A study undertaken by Vattenfall (2021) on the impacts of offshore wind farms on tourism and recreation in the UK, found that the presence of turbines does not necessarily have a negative impact on tourism and can have some positive effects. Many visitors find the sight of turbines intriguing and view them as symbols of progress and sustainability, potentially attracting tourists interested in renewable energy and modern engineering.

The sound from the turbines is often a source of concern. But how noisy is an offshore wind farm really? To get an idea, it is useful to compare the noise with that of domestic gadgets. Below is an illustration of the sound from a turbine, presented by the turbine manufacturer GE. The visualization is based on data from NIDCD, which is part of the American National Institute of Health.

From a distance of 300 meters, a land-based wind turbine should have a sound level of 35-45 decibels (dB).  It is estimated that the sound from offshore wind turbines would be in a similar range but reduced over the distance to shore. An average air conditioner indoors had a sound level of around 50dB and most fridges are around 40dB. Background wind and wave noise is typically around 85dB.

From an acoustic point of view, water acts as a reflective surface, which means sound waves travel more efficiently across water than land; however, in the case of the Gagasi offshore wind farm, which will be situated approximately 4.1km and 13.6km, north and south perimeter’s, respectively, from the coast of Richards Bay, this distance ensures that any noise generated by the turbines will be lower than the background noise of environmental conditions and imperceptible from land.

The substantial offshore location, combined with natural ambient sounds and distance, guarantees that the tranquillity of the coastline remains undisturbed.

Read more about measuring wind power noise here.

Offshore wind farms do have the potential to impact marine wildlife; however, recent studies from existing operational wind farms indicate that seabirds and marine mammals are more resilient to significant impacts than previously thought. However, as offshore wind is relatively new and research is ongoing, there is new research being conducted all the time.

To ensure minimal impact on marine wildlife and seabirds, offshore wind farm developers conduct extensive surveys and research. Environmental impact assessments identify sensitive habitats and migration routes to guide turbine placement. Baseline studies monitor species, seabird populations, and underwater habitats, while technologies like acoustic monitoring and radar systems track wildlife movements

In South Africa, where offshore wind farms are yet to be developed, these practices will be crucial. By learning from over 20 years of European experience, developers can apply best practices, such as seasonal construction restrictions and adaptive management, to protect marine ecosystems while advancing renewable energy.

Shipwrecks are unlikely to be significantly affected by offshore wind farms. During the planning stages, detailed surveys and mapping of the seabed are conducted to identify and avoid any historical or culturally significant shipwreck sites. These assessments ensure that turbine placement and construction activities do not disturb these underwater heritage sites.

At the Gagasi offshore wind farm site, initial reviews have confirmed that no shipwrecks are present in the area. This allows the project to proceed without risk to underwater heritage, ensuring the preservation of historical artifacts while advancing renewable energy development. If shipwrecks are discovered during future offshore surveys, turbines will be placed in a way which avoids any disturbance.

Currently, an offshore wind farm has a life expectancy of approximately 30 years, depending on the turbine model as well as weather and sea conditions. Towards the end of the life of the wind farm an assessment would be done and timescales for decommissioning the wind farm would be confirmed. Ideally, we would  operate the wind farm as long as safely possible to maximise the amount of green energy produced.

The power of the wind makes the rotor blades of the turbine rotate which creates large amounts of electricity. The electricity is then transmitted to land via an underwater cable. It can be used in households, for enterprises and transportation around the country, or even be exported to other countries.

There are several types of technology available for floating turbines. The floating units are anchored to the bottom of the sea via mooring arrangements tied to several different anchor points. The mooring and anchoring system is designed to resist the impact of waves and currents in the surrounding environment and keep the floating installation safely in place.

Further information on the proposed technologies that could be used for the Gagasi project will be provided in the Environmental Impact Assessment documentation.

Offshore wind turbines are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring their functionality and durability. When wind speeds become dangerously strong, the rotor blades can be slowed down to prevent critical speeds that could cause damage. Sensors mounted at the top of the turbines continuously monitor wind conditions, allowing the system to shut down temporarily if needed for protection.

In Richards Bay, there can be periods of high winds and large waves. Whilst wind farms need to be built in windy areas, extreme conditions can cause particular challenges. Extreme conditions are carefully accounted for in the design of both the turbines and their foundations. By incorporating robust engineering and advanced monitoring systems, offshore wind farms can operate safely and efficiently, even in areas prone to extreme weather.

Offshore wind farms can create positive effects on fishing as they serve as potential habitat for different species of fish. Studies show that several fish species increase in number close to the wind farms, which then increase the amount of fish surrounding the wind farm. Studies also suggest that there can be a positive effect on shellfish populations due to the introduction of new habitat. This is because the foundations of the turbines create a so-called reef-effect where the fish can find both food and protection. The turbine and cable structures can act as artificial reefs, attracting fish and other marine species by providing shelter and food sources. This can enhance fish populations and create healthier ecosystems, benefiting fisheries in the long run.

A Fisheries impact assessment is undertaken durin the early stages of a project, to ensure that gthe impact on fishing is identified, avoided where possible and mitigated where needed. The wind farms are designed and established in a way to minimize their impact on the fisheries industries and users.

The Gagasi Offshore Wind Farm project offers significant advantages for the local community, especially in terms of job creation. During the development & pre-installation phase, the project will need support from specialists in surveying, environmental assessments, engineering, specialised environmental fields, legal, and project planning, providing early employment for skilled labour and technical staff.

During the construction, installation and commissioning phases, the project is expected to generate direct jobs in construction, engineering, and transportation, including roles such as dock workers, crane operators, ship operators, wind power technicians, and service technicians. Additionally, jobs will be created in supporting industries like manufacturing and logistics. There are also expected to be indirect jobs created in the wider economy as a result of direct project spend.

The operation and maintenance phase will provide direct long-term employment opportunities, expected to be in the region of 100-200 direct full-time employment (FTE), in maintenance and supporting services. Indirect jobs are expected to be created in the wider economy from supporting industries and household spending.

Upon decommissioning, the project will create short-term jobs in dismantling, transportation, and recycling of the wind farm infrastructure.

Research indicates that offshore wind farms are crucial for enhancing the economic value of surrounding communities through job creation. Studies include a World Bank report suggesting offshore wind could provide 15% to 25% of South Africa’s energy mix by 2035 to 2050, creating significant job opportunities. According to ESI Africa, offshore wind projects could lead to more local jobs, opportunities for local manufacturing or assembly, and the development of port infrastructure.

Overall, the Gagasi Offshore Wind Farm project will create substantial employment opportunities, boosting the local economy and supporting community development.

We firmly believe in collaborating with local enterprises and will therefore actively encourage and prioritize local supply chains, when possible. Our philosophy is to develop and care for the local supply chains, through a strategy of a step-by-step springboard, where local suppliers and communities can grow alongside the phases of the project. This springboard strategy will enable us to maximize the value of the project for the local community. Local supplies and businesses can engage with us here.

Any information regarding timescales for the project can be found here.

Please do not hesitate to contact us here if you have further questions.