Staff Writer
The Ministry of Energy and Power Development has selected a joint venture of Noubeg Power and ATI Consultores to conduct a wind resource assessment within the framework of the Energy Sector Reform support project.
Noubeg Power is a Cameroonian design, consulting and engineering firm that carries out studies and engineering services in the energy sector and more generally in economic and social development.
ATI Consultores is a Spanish engineering and architecture company that designs and manages civil, electrical and mechanical construction projects.
The Ministry of Energy and Power Development with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) is carrying out wind energy resource measurements on eight sites that have the highest wind energy potential in Zimbabwe.
These sites are to be determined through measurements as well as modelling exercises or analysis of publicly available data.
The intention is to measure wind speed and direction at these sites and remotely collect data for at least one year at a height of 80 – 100m.
The purpose of this project is to create an accurate knowledge base of the wind resource available in Zimbabwe through measurement and analysis of wind speed data, to help the country plan for wind energy projects.
The most promising sites will then be subjected to Detailed Feasibility Studies and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) conforming to the AfDB Integrated Safeguard System for category 1 projects. The data and information generated will be used in designing large scale wind power generation projects for Zimbabwe.
Under a 24-month contract, Noubeg Power will assess the suitability of the proposed sites for the establishment of wind farms and design an appropriate technology for wind measurement.
The company will also install met masts for data collection over at least 12 months, prepare detailed feasibility studies and carry out ESIA studies conforming to local and AfDB standards.
