About Darling Wind Farm

On the hills just outside Darling, roughly 70 kilometres from Cape Town, stand four wind-generated mills. It's known as an Eskom demonstrator site, which means it's something of a learning platform for the development of the wind energy industry in South Africa.

Did you know? The Darling Wind Farm is one of two demonstration wind farm sites. The other is at Klipheuwel, on the other side of Cape Town.

The initial four turbines are but phase one. Phase two is supposed to introduce a further six 1.3 MW turbines. The electricity is bought by the City of Cape Town who now sell green certificates to residents.

The local Darling community is a shareholder in the wind farm, with plans to begin benefitting from phase two. And unlike power generated by fossil fuels, such as coal or gas, wind energy is freely available energy throughout the year.

You can drive fairly close to the wind turbines, if you're after some photographs. Against the blue of the Cape Town sky, they appear particularly photogenic. The turbines rise some 50 metres above the ground, which is like staring up at a 17 storey building when you're at ground level.

Interestingly, the turbines begin producing power at a wind speed of only 8 kilometres an hour and reach their full potential at 54 kilometres. The apparently lazy rotation is their measured way of rotating – at a constant speed of 32 revolutions per minute, regardless of wind speed.

They are obviously not like the steel wind pumps that grace our drier areas, like the Karoo. And once wind speeds reach more than 97 kilometres an hour, the computer control system closes them down, braking the blades.

Find Darling Accommodation (with preview images and description) or consider Darling Hotels (ranging from 3-5 star). If you prefer to do it the self catering way, you will find our comprehensive list of Darling Self Catering options useful. Also see Cape West Coast Accommodation and Cape West Coast Hotels for overnight options in surrounding towns.

Need to Know

WhereDarling Wind Farm, Just outside Darling on the Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours.

Telephone+27 (0)22 492-3095

OvernightStay in Darling Accommodation, Western Cape

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Darling

Things to do in the area

Accommodation convenient to Darling Wind Farm

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Cape West Coast Accommodation / Darling Accommodation

Darling as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Darling property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.