10 000 solar geysers for NC
THE NORTHERN Cape is expected to benefit from the allocation of 10 000 solar water heaters.
Thousands of solar geysers that were previously installed in Galeshewe have burst or are dysfunctional as they were not suited to the harsh elements of the Province.
As part of a national roll-out programme, the Sol Plaatje Municipality will be allocated 6 000 solar geysers and the Emthanjeni Local Municipality will benefit from 4 000 solar geysers.
During the renewable energy conference in De Aar last week, the Minister of Energy, Jeff Radebe, said that technical feasibility assessments would first be conducted to prevent the installation of faulty geysers.
He said about 87 000 systems were procured by the department for implementation under the social component of the National Solar Water Heater programme.
“The department plans to install all procured 87 000 SWH units in 19 participating municipalities during the 2018/19 financial year.”
Radebe said the geysers were locally manufactured and verified by the South African Bureau of Standards.
The Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mac Jack, said engagements were taking place with National Treasury to include small, micro and medium enterprises in renewable energy projects.
“Our submission to the Minister of Energy is for the establishment of a support scheme for renewable energy projects, with a focus on community participation.
“The Northern Cape Province is the mecca of renewable energy potential. It has one of the best solar energy sectors in the country that brings enormous potential and drives economic development.”
Jack also encouraged the installation of solar panels on roofs at schools, clinics and other public facilities through support from local industry.
“These community benefits and opportunities should not be limited to subsidies and state support.”
He added that the solar park that was to be built at potential sites identified in Upington, Groblershoop, Prieska and De Aar had yet to become a reality.
“This initiative was undeniably seen as that which will put the Northern Cape on the map of South Africa and the world. The solar park would share common infrastructure and services such as access to land, water supply, feeder lines to electricity transmission system, roads and support industries.”