WHILE the world is divided on NASA’s astronauts and uncovering the truth of what lies beneath the pyramids of Giza, leading African Independent Power Producer (IPP), Red Rocket, launched its mega 10GW wind farm in Antarctica.
Red Rocket, well respected for its groundbreaking wind, solar, and hydro projects in Africa, set eyes on the icy continent following its successes at home – silently developing the project for several years. One could even say that the IPP took its tagline “A Force of Nature” and just ran with it to harness the power of Antarctica’s winds.
Known for its extreme climate that comes with deadly blizzards, Antarctica is home to peaceful research initiatives by member states of the Antarctic Treaty. It will now be home to the biggest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere – Kuyabanda Wind Farm.
The project, which is expected to feature battery energy storage systems, was developed under the Far-Reaching Renewable Energy, Environmental Zones, and Entities (FREEZE) programme. It will also power thousands of households in South Africa through a sophisticated interconnection network.
The programme’s director was recently in the hot seat due to what detractors called inadequate methods to acclimatise workers. He assured journalists of his Advanced Certificates in Cold Plunge Therapy and deep meditation.
Creativity, one of the company’s core values, took centre stage with cutting-edge design featuring hybrid technology (wind and solar) turbines that can withstand the harshest elements of the continent.
In a television interview, Red Rocket CEO Matteo Brambilla said: “We are witnessing the start of something monumental on the energy landscape. Antarctica has vast untapped potential and we’re proud to take the big leap in venturing beyond to realise the possibilities that await us. As a research
frontier, we’ve cracked the code over what humans can achieve.”
The countdown to the project’s official inauguration plans has started, with the activities including flying in the world’s dignitaries, environmentalists, media outlets, and even building an “ice city” to boost tourism.
“While the project experienced some delays, the world will be excited to see it
deliver the clean energy it deserves, without boundaries, and demonstrating the power of innovation. Ice is truly nice,” Brambilla said:
This is a developing story.