Cape Town - The fifth instalment of the WindAc Africa conference, bringing together renewable energy researchers and leading minds to showcase their work and highlight the fundamental role that wind energy research and technology development plays in the sector, kicked off in Cape Town on Tuesday.
This year’s conference also offers a special programme for high potential young people from universities across the country, hosts the South African Wind Energy Association (Sawea) said.
“This annual event distinguishes the fundamental role that wind energy research and technology development plays in the sector, as it leads the way for advancement and progress, which is especially essential at a time that the country looks to renewables to meet the growing demand for clean energy supply.
“It needs to be recognised that the renewable energy sector looks to the academic community to unpack and analyse investment capital, skills availability, land availability, grid access, operational excellency, and investment in local supply chain development, all of which play a critical role in ensuring that the industry will successfully deliver,” Sawea said.
Around 40 sponsored students are expected to be welcomed at this year’s event.
Hosted from October 11 to 13, the first day of the conference was hosted at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (Saretec), from which delegates will visit the provinces West Coast wind project, Umoya Energy Wind Farm, and the remaining two days at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, alongside the Windaba conference.
“As a collaborative networking environment, dialogue is stimulated between experienced researchers, motivated students and members of the wind industry. Historically, attendees from South Africa, USA, Denmark, Germany, UK and France and students from leading South African universities have participated,” Sawea said.
For more information, visit: https://www.windac-africa.co.za/
Cape Times