Winde hails progress made in construction of Riversdale solar energy project.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde hailed the progress on the multi-million rand renewable energy project being constructed in Riversdale, in the southern Cape.

Tertuis Simmers, Western Cape MEC of Infrastructure, Isaac Sileku, MEC of Mobility, Grant Riddles, Executive Mayor of Hessequa Municipality and Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Graham-Maré joined him at the event.

Riversdale will become the first small town in the country to supply its businesses and residents with solar power.

The solar project comprises:

  • 10 MW-hours of solar photovoltaic (PV) capable of generating 15 million kilowatt-hours annually;
  • a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a storage capacity of 10 MW-hours will enable efficient energy storage and discharge; and
  • the implementation of advanced monitoring and control systems for real-time performance tracking and optimisation.

“While I join millions of Western Cape residents in welcoming the over 300-day respite from load shedding, we must not allow ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of energy security,” remarked the Winde.

He added, “Now more than ever we must use this opportunity to keep enabling municipalities in our province to explore and invest in alternative energy solutions, with an added focus on making power more affordable and environmentally-friendly. We know that Eskom is threatening a staggering 44% in electricity sales to municipalities in the upcoming financial year and a project like this will help the municipality absorb some of the worst of these price increases and pass on those benefits to its residents.

This project is not just ensuring energy resilience, which is much needed after the disastrous spate of power cuts, we are also taking a more responsible approach to power generation through renewable and affordable energy provision.”

The Western Cape Government encourages the private sector to keep playing its part in building up a sustainable and cost-effective energy system in the province. “The energy sector is bristling with opportunity and we stand ready to build partnerships to avoid the return of load shedding,” stated the Premier.

As much as the energy crisis has plagued South Africa, the exorbitant cost of electricity is also compounding the country’s economic growth woes. Eskom has applied to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) for a more than 40% increase in electricity tariffs.

“The provincial government strongly opposes this. This would put our residents under even more pressure, as well as impeding economic growth. This is why we must enable private sector stakeholders to help us reduce our reliance on Eskom for our energy needs. Where there is a reliable energy supply there is economic growth,   investment, and more jobs, “said Winde.

Simmers said, “Today is a historic moment as Riversdale is on course to become the first town in the Western Cape, if not South Africa, to achieve energy independence from Eskom. This renewable energy project will provide reliable power to the town’s residents, protect critical infrastructure, and support local businesses. It is a bold step forward in addressing the energy crisis, while also helping to boost Riversdale’s economy.”

Riddles added, “Let us see the soil we turn today as a symbol of hope and growth. May it mark the beginning of new opportunities, a brighter future, and a legacy we can all be proud of.”

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