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Sarens Siba, the South African arm of global heavy lifting and crane rental specialist Sarens, is playing a pivotal role in Namibia’s shift towards renewable energy. The company is currently engaged in the installation of 125-ton wind turbine generators (WTGs) for the first phase of the InnoVent Diaz onshore wind farm, located near Lüderitz in the Karas region. The second phase is slated to commence shortly after the completion of the initial stage.
Owned by InnoVent, the new InnoVent Diaz onshore wind farm is set to achieve an energy capacity of 44 MW. Once commissioned by the end of this year, it is projected to produce 230 GWh/year of renewable electricity. This significant output is expected to meet approximately 6% of Namibia’s current electricity demand, simultaneously preventing the release of 200,000 tons of CO2 annually. Sarens Siba is executing the project on behalf of its client, Innosun.
Sarens’ involvement with the Diaz wind farm dates back to 2020 with a preliminary site visit and engineering services. The project is now in full swing with work progressing on Diaz I, before transitioning to the Diaz II phase.
The complex nature of wind turbine installation necessitated a thorough preliminary analysis of the site’s facilities, orography, and climatic conditions. This detailed study informed the selection of the optimal equipment for the lifting and installation of the wind turbines. The chosen fleet includes a 500-ton crawler crane, 500-ton, 300-ton, and 130-ton all-terrain cranes, along with 12 axles of K25 self-propelled modular transporters.
The 500-ton crawler crane was specifically chosen for its limited footprint, a crucial advantage over other crane models, coupled with its impressive lifting capacity and range of movement. This specialized equipment was meticulously shipped to the site from various Sarens international business units, highlighting the company’s global logistical capabilities.
The scope of work at the Diaz Wind Farm encompasses the lifting and installation of various WTG components, including towers, rotors, nacelles, generators, and blades. These components range in weight from 6 tons to 90 tons. For the majority of these intricate operations, CC 2500-1 and GMK 6300 cranes will be deployed in tandem, ensuring precision and safety.
Namibia has set an ambitious target of generating 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Currently, the nation imports a substantial 60% to 70% of its electricity, primarily from South Africa, where coal-fired power generation remains dominant. Upon its completion, the InnoVent Diaz Wind Farm is expected to contribute significantly, generating an estimated 13% of Namibia’s total electricity production. This initiative is projected to result in annual savings of 89.7 million kilograms of coal, underscoring its environmental and economic impact.
Sarens’ expertise in wind turbine installation extends beyond Namibia. The company recently completed the installation of six new wind turbines at the Siemens Gamesa facilities in the Belgian municipalities of Gesves and Ohey. Demonstrating its ability to operate in challenging environments, Sarens also installed the tallest Vestas wind turbines in Asmolovichi, Belarus, amidst sub-zero temperatures. Furthermore, the company was responsible for installing the tallest wind turbine towers in Australia at the Glenn Innes Wind Farm in New South Wales.
This project in Namibia further solidifies Sarens’ position as a key enabler of global renewable energy infrastructure, demonstrating its commitment to supporting countries in their transition to cleaner power sources.
