The City of Johannesburg through its wholly owned entity City Power is nearing completion of a first-of-its-kind micro-grid installation project in Alexandra. City Power embarked on the installation of the solar micro-grid as an implementing agent of the Gauteng Energy Response Plan, which is part of the provincial government’s commitment to renewable energy and building sustainable power generation to reduce the burden on Eskom. The micro-grids are local electricity networks that serve small populations usually powered by renewable resources and can function independently from a larger network.
The 1MVA solar grid will provide electricity to about 500 households, with some power stored in batteries for night use.
The pilot project is anticipated to be completed before the end of March 2024.
This innovative and clean energy project will provide reliable electricity supply to the residents by harnessing the power of the sun.
During a site visit on Sunday, 18 February 2024, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Mzi Khumalo were impressed by the City’s progress in ensuring that the Alex community that has been without electricity since settling there finally has access power.
Lesufi also highlighted the City’s ability to deliver on time and within budget on all projects it has been tasked with as a positive contribution to the project.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, thanked the Premier’s office for the vision and investment in the energy sector.
He said the solar micro-grid among other initiatives will go a long way in stimulating the provincial and City economy.
“The impact of this project here in Alex and many others that have been rolled out will be felt across all the municipalities in the province, particularly here in Johannesburg, the country’s economic hub,” said Cllr Sekwaila.
Once the pilot project in Alexandra proves effective, the solar micro-grids will be rolled out to14 informal settlements in Gauteng as part of the energy crisis response plan.
The successful installation of the solar micro-grid project will have a number of advantages for the Amarasta community in Alexandra apart from electrifying their area.
It will also create jobs and provide an enabling environment for local businesses to thrive, without being interrupted by loadshedding.
“These solar grids have been enabled to also accommodate charging stations for electric vehicles. So partnering with automotive businesses in the area that produce electric vehicles could significantly benefit the township economy,” said City Power Board Chairperson Bonolo Ramokhele.
Close to 80 people from the area were hired, majority of them women. An additional 12 small, medium and micro enterprises were also involved in the project development.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
19/02/2024
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