The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) Friday (subs: 30 January 2015) announced the installation of solar panels at its headquarters in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The installation forms part of the organisation’s deep commitment to alternative energy sources such as renewable energy, in order to save on electricity, as well as environmental stewardship and an ongoing drive to management innovation.
“The solar panels will supply 48kW (approximately 25%) of solar energy to CDC’s corporate head office, and echoes our passion in introducing ways how we believe companies can improve their eco credentials while diversifying energy security,” said Vuyokazi Tyida, CDC investment promotion manager.
The solar installation incorporates concrete foundations, thin-film components, and three sets of 15kW inverters.
The CDC’s initiative to install solar panels is in line with government’s strategy to use renewable energy (wind, hydro and solar) as part of national programme diversifying the country’s national energy mix. It also reflects on CDC’s success and location as Africa’s green energy component’s manufacturing hub.
“This move further strengthens CDC as the green economy IDZ.”
“Apart from providing green power, CDC plans to roll out rooftop solutions for all investors located in the IDZ as phase two of this project in order to reduce investor’s electricity bill,” said Tyida.
Other energy projects in the IDZ include the R3.5 billion Dedisa Peaking Power Plant; the R127- million Powerway/Sungrow JV manufacturer of power supply equipment for solar PV and wind power projects; Powerway/JA Solar JV a R666.6-million investment, the world’s largest manufacturers of high performance solar power products; and DCD Wind Towers which launched its R300-million, 23 000m² wind tower manufacturing facility in March 2014 in Zone 3.
In line with its vision to become the leading catalyst for socio economic growth and local beneficiation, the organisation brought in a number of local SMMEs to help out on the project and assure skills beneficiation.
“We used a number of Port Elizabeth (PE) based small businesses in the project including Ubume Construction, Ivor Smith and Studio d’Arc” said Andile Ntloko, CDC SMME unit head.
The project is envisioned to come with a number of spin offs such as improving electricity supply, reduction of carbon footprint; competitive input cost and generally improves the efficiency levels at the CDC.
The installation of the solar panels in the Coega IDZ will help achieve government’s target of generating 3 725 megawatts (MW) from renewable energy by 2030 through the Independent Power Producer Programme (IPPP).
“We are proud to contribute to the national renewable strategy. The CDC has built momentum on energy projects and already uses wind and solar energy and will be looking to add biogas and biofuels in the near future,” said Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC unit head marketing and communications.
Alan Straton
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