Laying the foundations for Djibouti’s first onshore wind farm

Is it feasible for a nation to meet growing energy demands while dramatically reducing harmful emissions? Djibouti thinks so, and aims to prove it by deriving 100% of its electrical production from renewable energy sources by 2030. A main factor in achieving this goal is the country’s first onshore wind farm, in the Ghoubet area near Lake Assal. The project is well underway, and Tractebel has been involved since the beginning.

Tractebel lends its expertise from the start

Our team is responsible for the design review and construction management of the project. We provide a multidisciplinary team of highly qualified experts with international experience to carry out the construction management and technical contract administration services throughout the project, as well as the commissioning services.

Onshore construction of the Ghoubet wind farm began in August 2020 with the mobilization onsite of the Siemens Gamesa (engineering, procurement and construction contractor), Red Sea Power (client) and Tractebel (Owner’s Engineer) teams.

Laying the foundation for renewable energy

Following inherent difficulties and challenges during the various stages of construction, the erection of the wind farm is now well underway. Procurement of the main components (wind turbine generators and electrical equipment) has been finalized and civil and electrical works are ongoing.

The project reached a major milestone with the pouring of the first turbine foundation on March 28, 2021. At press time, eight of the 17 foundations have been poured.

Sustainable electricity for more than one million people

The Ghoubet wind farm will consist of 17 Siemens Gamesa G132 wind turbine generators with a unitary power of 3.465 MW, for a total capacity of 58.9 MW. The wind farm will be interconnected to the existing EDD (Electricité de Djibouti) transmission network at 230 kV at the point of connection at the facility substation.

The Ghoubet project, Djibouti’s first onshore wind farm and first renewable energy project, is expected to be completed in January 2022. Once powered, it will generate electricity for a population of over one million and its industries.

Pouring the foundation of wind turbine (WT) 17.      

To date, 8 of the 17 foundations have been poured. Another challenging phase of the project is now in progress, the transport of the turbine components from the Djiboutian port to the site.

The preassembly phase of the first turbine started on May 15, 2021. Preassembly of the first sections of six turbines is now complete.

Switchgear placed on foundation, prior to installation | Installation S1 WT17 | S1 WT17 installed.

High voltage equipment foundations | High voltage equipment inspection

Delivery of the power transformers to the site.

The next important milestone will be the foundations for the electrical poles.
Want to know more about the Ghoubet wind farm? Read Blowin’ in the wind in Djibouti.