Analysing Wind Energy Projects in New York and Emerging Markets in Africa

Recent cancellations of major offshore wind projects in New York have dealt a significant blow to the industry. The failure of major offshore wind projects in New York reflects a combination of technical, commercial, and regulatory challenges that have plagued similar ventures, especially in Africa. One significant factor contributing to the cancellation of these projects was the intricate technical and commercial complexities they encountered. Changes in project plans and material modifications introduced uncertainties during negotiations, making it challenging for involved parties to reach final agreements. This mirrors experiences seen in other regions where ambitious renewable energy projects have faltered due to unforeseen technical hurdles and shifting market dynamics.

Similarly, the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project in Kenya, one of the largest wind farms in Africa, faced numerous challenges during its development, including delays due to financing issues, logistical challenges in transporting turbines to the remote site, and disputes over land rights with local communities. These challenges resulted in significant delays and cost overruns, highlighting the difficulties involved in large-scale renewable energy projects in Africa.

Another critical issue that led to the downfall of the New York projects was the reliance on a complicated supply chain, particularly the unavailability of critical components such as turbines. The cancellation was linked to supply chain investments by General Electric (GE), emphasizing the vulnerability of wind power projects to disruptions in the supply chain. Although numerous initiatives have been aimed at developing local capacities in Africa for designing and constructing wind turbines, these efforts have not yet fully matured, presenting challenges in reducing the continent’s reliance on imported turbines, affecting the entire supply chain.

Case studies such as the “Wind Atlas for South Africa (WASA)” project, which aimed to assess wind energy potential and build local expertise in wind resource assessment, demonstrate ongoing efforts to develop local African capacities. Despite such initiatives, many countries still face challenges in achieving self-sufficiency in wind turbine manufacturing. For example, the lack of advanced technical skills and infrastructure has hindered the growth of the local wind energy industry in countries like Nigeria and Kenya.

Cost considerations also played a significant role in the failure of the New York projects. The decision not to proceed was influenced by the increased costs associated with using smaller turbines, which would have required more individual turbine locations and higher installation expenses. This economic challenge has been a recurring theme in renewable energy projects worldwide, where developers often grapple with balancing the need for technological advancements with cost-effectiveness. Egypt’s Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (FiT) faced challenges related to regulatory uncertainties, grid integration issues, and delays in project approvals, leading to a slower-than-expected uptake of wind power projects.

Also, regulatory constraints contributed to the demise of the New York projects. Policies limiting rate increases for consumers constrained negotiations, making it difficult for developers to meet financial targets and secure viable agreements. Similar regulatory hurdles have hindered renewable energy projects in regions like South Africa, where conflicting policies or stringent regulations have impeded progress towards renewable energy targets.

Despite the undeniable success of the REIPPPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program), a commonly discussed drawback has been the significant transaction costs borne by participating bidders. These costs encompass all expenses incurred from bid development to the commercial operation date. While competitive tenders for renewable energy projects are generally more intricate and thus more costly for independent power producers (IPPs) than feed-in tariff programs, the REIPPPP placed exceptionally stringent demands on bidders.

The cancellation of offshore wind projects in New York has further shown the challenges of renewable energy development and the importance of addressing various challenges holistically. If we learn from past experiences and collaborate effectively, regions can overcome barriers to renewable energy deployment and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Omata David Omakoji
Technical Associate – Nextier Power
Domata@thenextier.com