George Municipality's Renewable Energy Drive Boosts Energy Stability amidst Challenges

Continued innovation and forward-thinking strategies in renewable energy are shaping the future of George Municipality as it enhances energy resilience and sustainability. Deploying various renewable energy projects, the Municipality aims to alleviate its electricity demand, primarily by supplementing the power supplied by Eskom, South Africa's public utility.

In a proactive move to lessen the financial burden stemming from energy costs and to pass on the potential savings to local customers, the George Municipality has successfully completed multiple photovoltaic (PV) installations. This includes a 300 kilowatt-peak (kWp) system at the Civic Centre, which has been in operation since September 2021, a 400 kWp system at the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Facility, a 500 kWp system at the Gwaing Wastewater Treatment Facility, and an impressive 1 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar farm on Municipal Land (ERF464).

Ongoing projects are no less ambitious, with a recently completed tourism site venture, despite setbacks due to a fire. Perhaps the most significant undertaking on the horizon is the establishment of a 3 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery storage system. Scheduled for construction to begin in September 2024, it will be distributed across three pivotal locations: the Civic Centre building and the aforementioned Outeniqua and Gwaing facilities.

However, financial constraints have prompted the George Municipality to cancel a recent tender intended for a sizeable 12 MW PV plant, with Riaan du Plessis—the Chief Financial Officer—attributing the decision to bids that exceeded the budget and a commitment to fiscal responsibility as per the Municipal Finance Management Act.

Despite this setback, the Municipality remains undeterred in its mission to innovate within the energy sector. Foreseeing engagements with Small-Scale Embedded Energy Generation (SSEG) and the possibility of Wheeling agreements, there is also an active exploration of procuring electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Collaboration with the Western Cape Premier's office is intended to appoint IPPs, moving towards a more diverse and competitive energy market.

Determined to not only tackle local issues but also to contribute to national energy resilience, George Municipality is set on steering the region towards an economically viable and environmentally responsible future.