The environmental impacts of proposed South African wind energy farms

Abstract

South Africa’s current energy crisis compels the acceleration of a just transition away from coal-generated power to renewable energy. While wind is often touted as being the most benign of renewable energy sources, there are many environmental side-effects of wind energy farms which are well documented in international literature, such as avifaunal impacts. This study critically examines the environmental impact assessment process in South Africa to ascertain what can be done to improve it. A qualitative research methodology was applied with a case-study design.

The study reveals that although environmental impact assessment reports are scoping the full extent of the ecological impacts of wind energy farms in South Africa, there are nevertheless patent flaws involved in the process. In the case study of the Albany wind energy facility in Makhanda, the level of public participation with interested and affected parties is shown to be inadequate and cumulative impacts have not been fully diagnosed. Furthermore, the study shows not enough oversight is provided by the government to ensure that mitigation measures agreed to by developers are adhered to once wind farms become operational.

Environmental assessment practitioners, the government, wildlife non-profit organisations and developers all have a responsibility to ensure that the environmental harm caused by wind energy facilities is kept to a minimum. Among many recommendations, the study points to greater oversight by authorities, a more focused economic vision for the Eastern Cape, a review of the existing environmental impact assessment process and for more specific, actionable mitigation measures to be set against which wind farms can be measured.