Concor has successfully finished constructing the final foundation for the San Kraal Wind Energy Facility in Noupoort, South Africa. The project utilized an innovative environmental approach for the wind turbine foundations, showcasing a commitment to sustainability in renewable energy development.
Project Details and Environmental Benefits
The San Kraal wind farm is part of the Koruson 1 Cluster, developed by EDF Renewables in partnership with H1 Holdings, Gibbs Crede, and a local community trust.
The project will add 420MW to South Africa’s energy grid, utilizing 78 wind turbines across three wind farms. The San Kraal facility stands out due to its use of hollow-cast foundations, a novel approach that reduces concrete usage and the overall carbon footprint of the project.
Meticulous Construction Process and Precision Engineering
Concor’s construction process for the hollow wind turbine foundations involved meticulous surveys and precise engineering to ensure strict adherence to the design.
This precision was essential for aligning the post-tension duct cable sleeves for the tensioning cables within a tolerance of millimeters. A full-time surveyor oversaw the intricate process, ensuring the foundations were cast in accordance with the design.
Hollow Foundations: Complex but Efficient
The hollow-cast design of the wind turbine foundations, while more complex than conventional methods, proves beneficial in terms of resource efficiency and environmental impact.
Each foundation measures over 20 meters in diameter and about 3.3 meters deep, utilizing over 400 cubic meters of 45 MPa concrete and an additional 18 cubic meters of 50 MPa concrete in the plinth.
(Image Source: Concor)
MPa: A Measure of Concrete Strength
MPa stands for megapascals, a unit of measurement for pressure. In the context of concrete, it indicates the material’s compressive strength, or its ability to withstand pressure without cracking or failing. The higher the MPa rating, the stronger the concrete.
Community Engagement and Safety Achievements
At its peak, the San Kraal Wind Energy Facility employed approximately 400 workers, primarily from the local Noupoort community. Concor prioritized comprehensive safety and technical training for these employees, resulting in an impressive safety record of over 500,000 working hours without a lost-time injury.
A Model for Sustainable Infrastructure Development
The completion of the turbine base foundations in just seven months demonstrates Concor’s commitment to efficiency and community engagement.
The San Kraal Wind Energy Facility, with its innovative approach and community-focused execution, serves as a model for sustainable and socially responsible infrastructure development in South Africa. As the country continues its transition towards renewable energy, projects like this set a benchmark for future endeavors.