The City of Cape Town has taken a major step towards its sustainability goals by launching a R14.6 million solar energy project at the Kraaifontein Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This new 990kWp installation is designed to decrease the City’s reliance on traditional electricity sources, fostering energy efficiency within its operations.
The Kraaifontein project is part of a larger initiative that includes similar solar installations at the Goodwood Transport Management Centre and the Gugulethu Electricity Depot, bringing the total investment to R20.6 million.
Alderman Xanthea Limberg, Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, highlighted the project’s environmental benefits during a site visit with Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
“This programme contributes toward the reduction of greenhouse gases by providing an alternative to electricity generated from fossil fuels and will assist South Africa to begin demonstrating its commitment to meeting international obligations by reducing its emissions,” said Alderman Limberg.
The project is expected to generate an annual yield of 1.5 GWh, with an estimated first-year savings of R2.4 million on electricity costs.
Construction of the solar installation commenced in November 2023 and was completed in May 2024, showcasing the City’s dedication to swift and effective implementation of sustainable energy solutions.
Alderman Limberg expressed gratitude to the project teams.
“I thank the project teams for their ongoing hard work and dedication toward building a more sustainable, future-fit Cape Town,” added Limberg.
These projects form a key part of Cape Town’s small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) programme, which is designed to reduce dependency on power supplied by Eskom and the City.
As part of its long-term strategy, the City plans to invest over R4 billion in upgrading and maintaining its electricity grid over the next three years.
By 2026, Cape Town aims to add up to one gigawatt of independent power supply, which would provide protection against four stages of Eskom load-shedding.
IOL