Volume II - The Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development ...

Northern Cape PSDF
Volume 2
December 2011
Map C.1: Rainfall of the Northern Cape in context of the country as a whole (Source:
Department of Water Affairs).
The Benguela current plays a very important role in Namaqualand’s climate, with onshore
winds blowing over the cold, up‐welled waters of the Atlantic Ocean ensuring that summer
temperatures are seldom extreme, ranging from 25 to 35°C. Along the coastline,
temperatures reach 25°C in summer. Winter temperatures range between 5°C and 15°C.
Frost occurs in the high‐laying regions with snow occasionally falling in the Kamiesberg
uplands region. The fog that blankets much of Namaqualand is a phenomenon that occurs
frequently during the autumn months when onshore wind speeds are not strong enough to
produce the turbulence that breaks up the fog. The fog is an important alternative source of
moisture for the plants and various animal species and fulfils a vitally important function in
the ecology of the Richtersveld.
A key environmental phenomenon which represents an important potential comparative
economic advantage is the high occurrence of sunny days and the regular occurrence of
strong wind (especially the on‐shore winds along the coastline) both of which could be
source of energy. The wind regine, especially along the coast, is suitable for sustainable
electricity generation 2 .
2
The upper limit of wind energy available to be captured in South Africa is estimated at 3 GW. Taking a
conservative estimate of 30% conversion efficiency and 25% capacity factor, it is estimated that wind
power could supply at least 1% of South Africa’s projected electricity requirements (19 800 GWh) in 2002.
This excludes the offshore wind energy potential which should also be assessed (White Paper of
Renewable Energy, 2003).
Office of the Premier &
Department of Rural Development & Land Reform
13
Dennis Moss Partnership