City of Cape Town Awards Tender for First Solar Plant to Combat Load-Shedding

The City of Cape Town has taken a significant step towards energy sustainability with the awarding of a tender for its inaugural solar plant, the Atlantis Solar Photovoltaic Plant. Scheduled to begin construction in August, this landmark project marks a pivotal moment in the city’s efforts to combat load-shedding and reduce carbon emissions from municipal buildings by 2030.

The tender, granted to the Lesedi Technoserve Consortium for engineering, procurement, and construction, is slated for completion within 12 months. This strategic initiative aligns with the city’s broader objective of enhancing energy security and transitioning towards a more sustainable energy ecosystem.

Beverley van Reenen, Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, highlighted the progress of the project, stating, “The project is currently in the detailed design phase, and the transmission of first power into the grid is expected towards the end of 2025.” This timeline underscores the meticulous planning and execution required for such a transformative undertaking.

The Atlantis Solar Project follows the city’s commitment to invest R4 billion in grid upgrades to accommodate a dynamic, decentralized generation landscape. Once operational, the plant will inject 7MW of electricity into the grid, bolstering Cape Town’s renewable energy capacity and reducing reliance on traditional power sources.

The Atlantis Solar Plant represents Cape Town’s maiden foray into utility-scale renewable energy projects, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. Van Reenen emphasized the project’s dual impact, stating, “[It] not only contributes to reducing our dependency on Eskom but also fosters cleaner, more affordable energy sources while stimulating local economic growth and job creation.”

The city is aiming to achieve energy security by 2050 through strategic initiatives like the Atlantis Solar Project. Furthermore, it aspires to offset the electricity consumption of all municipal buildings with renewable energy by 2030, signalling a steadfast commitment to sustainability and resilience.

Despite continued reliance on Eskom for the majority of its electricity needs, Cape Town is pioneering innovative solutions to diversify its energy mix. The introduction of a cash-for-power program incentivizes households and businesses to generate surplus electricity through solar PV systems, contributing to a more resilient and decentralized energy landscape.