The casting of 1 425 keystones required for the construction of a wind farm cluster near the Impofu Dam in the Eastern Cape, being built by Nordex Energy South Africa, has commenced at a concrete tower manufacturing facility.

The facility spans 10 hectares, and is located near the Port of Ngqura.

Each of the wind turbine concrete towers comprises 25 individual keystones, with the heaviest keystone cast to date weighing over 57t, measuring 20m in length and over 5m in width. In addition to concrete, rebar is part of the structural component, ensuring the strength of the keystones by absorbing tensile forces that concrete cannot withstand on its own.

“This custom-built factory, located 52 kilometres from the wind farm site, is a key investment in the region’s renewable energy infrastructure and we are pleased to be able to announce that the facility is ready to ramp up in line with the construction milestones,” said David Moncasi Hortet, Head of Sales for Africa at Nordex Energy South Africa.

“This cluster of wind farms is a significant milestone in South Africa’s renewable energy efforts, with the casting of the first keystone marking a crucial step in the project’s construction progress. As manufacturing accelerates, the project will continue to contribute to the country’s clean energy goals and bolster the local economy,” added Hortet.