Goldwind opens office in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA: Goldwind has opened an office in South Africa as the company positions itself in readiness for investment in Africa's emerging wind energy market.

Goldwind Africa director Daniel Kuryolo said the company has been enticed into joining the "wind rush" coming to Africa.

He said the Goldwind rated the region’s potential to generate electricity from wind over a fairly short period with low minimum costs as compared to other global markets.

"Most of the other markets around the world have already fully developed their wind energy sectors -- or are well on their way. So, the industry is naturally migrating to the next big opportunity in the 'wind rush,' and that's in Africa."

Two months ago Goldwind announced a deal with HydroChina International Engineering Company (HCIE) to export 34 1.5MW turbines to Ethiopia for the Adama wind farm in the centre of the country.