A feasibility study examining the potential for offshore wind development off South Africa's Western Cape coastline is progressing, with researchers assessing wind resource data, seabed conditions and possible grid connection points near Cape Town and Saldanha Bay.
Proponents argue offshore wind could complement South Africa's existing onshore renewable energy programme, though the study is also expected to weigh the additional cost of offshore construction and the current state of specialised installation vessel availability in the region.
Findings are expected to inform whether any pilot project moves toward a formal development phase, with port infrastructure at Saldanha Bay seen as a likely staging base given its existing offshore oil and gas fabrication yards.