New Atlantis sub-station set to double current capacity

THE CITY of Cape Town’s new R114 million industrial sub-station for Atlantis will see the area’s energy increase to more than double the current capacity – a welcome boost for the area that was recently declared a special economic zone.

The City announced yesterday that the sub-station had recently been commissioned to provide additional electricity and reliable services for businesses and residents in the area.

Constructed over four years, the new sub-station will increase existing capacity in Atlantis from 80 MVA (mega volt amps) to 170 MVA.

The capacity of the sub-station is roughly equivalent to lighting up more than 10million light bulbs, and provides a grid connection point for future independent power producers, in line with the City’s drive to diversify its energy mix to include renewable energy.

Xanthea Limberg, the city’s mayoral committee member for informal settlements, water and waste services, and energy, said the new sub-station was set to enable commercial and industrial development in the area and was essential for the establishment of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone.

About 25% of the income the City made from electricity tariffs went towards the repair and maintenance of its electricity grid, which included new sub-stations, power lines and meters, while 10% went towards the rates account to help pay for shared services and vulnerable groupings, she said. – Joseph Booysen