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Riversdale is on course to become the first town in the Western Cape to achieve energy independence from Eskom “The energy sector is bristling with opportunity, and we stand ready to build partnerships to avoid the return of loadshedding.” So said the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, speaking at the sod-turning ceremony for the multi-million rand renewable energy project being constructed in Riversdale in the Hessequa local municipality. The minister was joined by the Western Cape’s Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers; Provincial Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku; Executive Mayor of Hessequa Municipality, Grant Riddles; and Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré. This forms part of the provincial government’s joint efforts to strengthen the Western Cape’s energy resilience. The Western Cape government, in partnership with Hessequa Municipality, is implementing the R210 million renewable energy project over the next few years. The provincial government stated that the energy project would be critical in protecting the residents of Riversdale and its surrounds from any further Eskom power cuts in the future, securing economic growth and driving job creation in the region. The solar project comprises: 10MW-hours of solar photovoltaic (PV) capable of generating 15 million kilowatt-hours annually; A battery energy storage system (BESS) with a storage capacity of 10MW-hours will enable efficient energy storage and discharge; and The implementation of advanced monitoring and control systems for real-time performance tracking and optimisation. Solar power to provide reliable power to Riversdale’s residents 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 impede 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 this was 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,” he said. Graham-Maré hailed the provincial government and the municipality. “I want to applaud the Western Cape Government for its vision and proactive leadership in helping municipalities integrate renewable energy into their business model and Hessequa Municipality for playing a leading role in the country in leveraging renewable energy for the benefit of all residents.” |
