Now the sun really shines on George Airport

GEORGE Airport became the first solar-powered airport in Africa yesterday.

Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters launched the R16 million project which is set to supply not only about 50 percent of the airport’s energy needs, but also shave up to 33 percent from the airport’s monthly electricity bill.

The initiative, spearheaded by the South African Airports Company of South Africa ( Acsa) and Peters’s department, consists of a 200m2 solar power plant with 3 000 photovoltaic panels.

Construction of the plant began in March and was switched on for the first time for testing in December .

Peters congratulated Acsa and the George Airport on becoming pioneers.

She said the plant would contribute to large water savings. “Especially in times where we are facing severe drought across South Africa, every drop counts. And I believe this project is set to save about 1.2 million litres of water anually.”

She said several similar projects were on the cards for other airports including Port Elizabeth, Bram Fischer in Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Upington.

“In Port Elizabeth we are looking at also including wind energy in the mix.”

Acsa group executive for airports Andre Vermeulen said in Port Elizabeth the project would probably be different as they planned on working with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and possibly establishing a laboratory on- site where students would be able to conduct research.

Vermeulen said at the George Airport the energy consumption per month was about 250 000KWh and that the solar power plant had the capacity to supply about 180 000KWh during peak periods.

It would cost about R200 000 per year to maintain. This would include cleaning its panels and general repairs.

The lifetime of the solar power plant is between 25 to 30 years.

Acsa chairman Skhumbuzo Macozoma said the company would introduce an energy mix into all its airports and its longterm vision was to achieve carbon neutrality in energy consumption and run green airports in order to achieve a Green Building Council of South Africa six-star rating.

“Harnessing solar power is a viable cleaner energy source which contributes towards diversifying the energy mix.”