Cape Town has launched an R14.6 million solar energy project at the Kraaifontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to reduce its reliance on traditional electricity sources. This is part of a wider strategy that includes additional solar installations with a total investment of R20.6 million.
Solar Project Advances Sustainability in Cape Town
The City of Cape Town has taken a significant step towards its sustainability goals by launching an R14.6 million solar energy project. Located at the Kraaifontein Wastewater Treatment Plant, the project aims to reduce the city’s dependence on traditional electricity and foster greater energy efficiency in municipal operations.
This initiative is part of a broader R20.6 million strategy that also includes similar solar installations at the Goodwood Transport Management Centre and the Gugulethu Electricity Depot.
During a site visit, Alderman Xanthea Limberg, the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, highlighted the environmental benefits of the Kraaifontein project. Accompanied by Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Alderman Limberg emphasized the project’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “This programme contributes toward the reduction of greenhouse gasses by providing an alternative to electricity generated from fossil fuels,” she said, noting that the project also aligns with South Africa’s international obligations to reduce emissions.
Cutting Electricity Costs
The solar installation at Kraaifontein is expected to generate an annual yield of 1.5 GWh. That level of production translates to an estimated first-year savings of R2.4 million on electricity costs, a tangible benefit of the city’s investment in sustainable energy. Construction on the solar energy project began in November 2023 and was completed by May 2024.
Image: Collected
Alderman Limberg expressed her gratitude to the teams involved in completing the project. “I thank the project teams for their ongoing hard work and dedication toward building a more sustainable, future-fit Cape Town,” she added. Her comments underscore the collaboration and commitment essential for achieving the city’s sustainability objectives.
These solar energy projects are a crucial component of Cape Town’s small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) programme. The programme is designed to reduce the city’s reliance on power from Eskom, the national electricity provider, and is a key part of a broader energy strategy that includes plans to upgrade and maintain the electricity grid over the next three years.
Cape Town Increases Investments in Energy
As part of its long-term strategy, Cape Town plans to invest over R4 billion in its electricity infrastructure by 2026. This investment is expected to enhance the reliability and capacity of the grid, making it more resilient to challenges such as load-shedding. The city aims to add up to one gigawatt of independent power supply by 2026, which would protect residents against four stages of Eskom load-shedding.
The launch of the Kraaifontein solar project marks a milestone in Cape Town’s journey towards sustainability, reflecting the city’s proactive approach to addressing energy and environmental challenges. With its successful implementation, the project sets a positive example for other municipalities in South Africa and contributes to the global effort to combat climate change.
Ultimately, the Kraaifontein solar energy project is more than a technological advancement; it represents a vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future. As Cape Town continues to invest in renewable energy and infrastructure, it positions itself as a leader in the transition towards a low-carbon economy, demonstrating that local initiatives can have a significant global impact.
