Cape Town’s Bold Move Towards Green Energy: R14.6 Million Solar Project Unveiled

In a significant stride towards sustainability, the City of Cape Town has unveiled a new solar energy project. This R14.6 million initiative is set to bolster the city’s green energy efforts and significantly reduce its carbon emissions.

Project Details

Situated at the Kraaifontein Wastewater Treatment Plant, the solar project boasts a 990kWp installation aimed at reducing the city’s dependence on conventional electricity sources. This project is part of a larger R20.6 million investment, which also includes solar installations at the Goodwood Transport Management Centre and the Gugulethu Electricity Depot.

Environmental Benefits

Alderman Xanthea Limberg, the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, emphasized the environmental advantages of the project. “This initiative helps cut down greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative to fossil fuel-generated electricity,” Limberg noted. The project is expected to produce an annual yield of 1.5 GWh, with projected first-year savings of R2.4 million on electricity costs.

Construction Timeline

The construction of the Kraaifontein solar installation commenced in November 2023 and was completed by May 2024. The efficient execution of this project underscores Cape Town’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Future Investments

Looking ahead, the City of Cape Town plans to invest over R4 billion in upgrading and maintaining its electricity grid over the next three years. By 2026, the city aims to introduce up to one gigawatt of independent power supply, which would mitigate the impact of up to four stages of Eskom load-shedding.

The R14.6 million solar project at the Kraaifontein Wastewater Treatment Plant represents a pivotal milestone in Cape Town’s sustainability journey. This initiative not only curtails greenhouse gas emissions but also sets a benchmark for future green energy projects in the region.