(People's Daily Online/Wang Lei)

The first China-invested wind power station in Africa, Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind Power Project, started operation on Nov. 17, Xinhua News Agency reported last Friday.

With a total investment of 2.5 billion RMB ($377 million), the project is being constructed in two phases in South Africa’s Northern Cape. It has a total installed capacity of 244.5 MW.

Power shortages have become a severe issue in Africa in recent years, giving rise to the urgent need to develop new energy. Being a country with rich wind resources, the market potential in South Africa is huge.

The project was constructed by Longyuan South Africa, a company under China Guodian Cooperation (CGC).

According to Zhang Guohou, executive vice president of CGC, Longyuan South Africa has always adhered to local laws and regulations and has worked with local partners during the construction phase of the project.

The project has created more than 700 jobs for the local community, Zhang noted. It will help generate 644 million kWh of green power for South Africa each year, saving 215,800 tons of standard coal and cutting 619,900 tons of carbon dioxide each year. It is expected to meet the electricity demand of 85,000 households in the area.