Cape Town Pioneers Solar Energy Revolution In South Africa

Holifil

04 Apr, 2025

Cape Town is blazing the trail as the first metro to kick off construction of a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in South Africa.
This R200 million project, based in Atlantis, promises to create jobs and bolster the city's energy reserves while reducing reliance on Eskom.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasized the city's commitment to becoming less dependent on Eskom, paving the way for a brighter future.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis officially breaks ground at the country's first city-run solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Atlantis. City of Cape Town. Source: Facebook

Hey there, folks! Cape Town is stepping into the spotlight, leading the charge toward a more sustainable and independent energy future. The city is making bold moves to reduce its dependence on Eskom, and it's not just talk—it's action. This is a game-changer for the region and sets an inspiring example for the rest of the nation.

As we speak, Cape Town is the trailblazer, being the first metro to begin building a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant. This is no small feat, and it represents a significant leap forward in the quest for renewable energy solutions.

This ambitious construction project comes with a price tag of R200 million, and the plant will be located in the vibrant area of Atlantis. This investment is not just about numbers; it’s about paving the way for a brighter, more energy-secure future.

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A Step Toward Energy Independence

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis laid it out clearly: this project is a vital step in safeguarding the city from the ever-looming threat of loadshedding. The mayor expressed deep concerns about Eskom's ongoing challenges, which pose a significant risk to the city's economic stability. His vision is to empower Cape Town and its residents by enabling them to produce their own power, ensuring a more secure energy supply.

And here's the kicker—solar power is significantly cheaper than the energy offered by the regulator. This means savings for the city and, ultimately, for its residents. It's a win-win situation that everyone can get behind.

By the time next year rolls around, the project is expected to wrap up, adding a robust 10 megawatts of power to the grid. But wait, there's more! The plant will also boast a battery capable of storing five megawatts, ensuring that the grid remains powered even when the sun decides to take a break.

Why Atlantis? The Perfect Location

Mayor Hill-Lewis shared the reasons why Atlantis was chosen as the ideal location for this groundbreaking plant. Atlantis offers prime real estate for solar farms, with expansive city-owned plots of land ready to be utilized. This strategic choice allows for seamless integration into the Atlantis grid, feeding directly into the primary grid system.

But the benefits don’t stop there. This project is set to create a wave of job opportunities in the area. During the construction phase, numerous jobs will be created, and once the plant is operational, permanent positions will be available for maintenance and operation. It's a double win for the community—both economically and environmentally.

This is just the beginning for Cape Town. The city has ambitious plans to diversify its energy resources, and this solar PV plant is only the first of many exciting projects on the horizon.

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Public Reaction: What South Africans Are Saying

The news of Cape Town's solar ambitions has sparked conversations across the country. Here's what some people had to say:

Peter Neal Smith voiced his support:

“This is a clear indication that the DA gets things done. If voters in other cities would allow the DA a majority mandate, this kind of progress could also be achieved elsewhere.”

TK Seunane added a note of caution:

“Let's hope that the contractors will be able to complete the project without any hiccups or controversies.”

Lucky Malembe raised a pertinent question:

“When are they planning to start projects aimed at building homes for the thousands of people still living in shacks in the area?”

Julie Strydom expressed her concerns:

“Just don’t let the ANC find out. Lesufi and Mantashe might try to shut it down.”

Zukisa Solo highlighted a past issue:

“But didn’t the DA mislead voters three years ago by claiming they already had solar plants? Were those election promises just empty words?”

Cape Town's "Cash for Power" Initiative Gains Momentum

In other exciting news, Briefly News reported on the remarkable success of Cape Town’s "cash for power" program. This initiative is part of the city’s broader strategy to combat loadshedding by purchasing surplus solar energy directly from residents.

The program has already generated over R25 million, proving to be a hit with the community. More than 1,400 sellers have already benefited financially from this innovative approach, demonstrating the potential for community-driven energy solutions.

Cape Town is not just dreaming about a brighter future; it's actively building it. With projects like the solar PV plant and the "cash for power" initiative, the city is showing the rest of the country what’s possible when vision meets action.