Xin Hua She·2025-11-18 09:46Core Viewpoint - The De Aar Wind Power Project, a significant achievement of China-South Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, has positively impacted local employment and living standards while contributing to clean energy transformation in South Africa [2][3]. Investment and Project Overview - The De Aar Wind Power Project was completed in 2017 by China National Energy Group Longyuan Power South Africa Company, with a total investment of approximately 2.5 billion RMB [2]. - The project has a total installed capacity of 244.5 MW, making it the largest operational wind power project in South Africa [2]. - It generates approximately 770 million kWh of clean electricity annually, benefiting around 300,000 households in South Africa [2]. Local Employment and Skills Development - The project has trained over 110 local youth in renewable energy technology, with more than 80% of current employees being local, many in key positions [4]. - The initiative has created a "learning-practice-employment" pathway for local youth, enhancing their job prospects in the emerging renewable energy sector [4]. Community Support and Social Impact - The company invests over 4.5 million ZAR annually in scholarship programs, having supported 390 students to date [4]. - A mobile medical unit, funded with nearly 4 million ZAR, provides medical services to approximately 9,000 local residents each year, benefiting over 50,000 individuals by September 2025 [5]. - Local government officials express hope for continued collaboration with Chinese enterprises to further improve the region's economy and living conditions [5].