The NCPC-SA and Coega discuss ways for the SEZ to become an energy efficient and Eco-Industrial Park.

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) hosted an engagement with the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa (NCPC-SA) late last week at the CDC head office in Port Elizabeth. The discussion focused on how the CDC can use the programmes implemented by the NCPC-SA to become an eco-friendly and energy efficient Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The CDC Energy Projects Development Manager, Sandisiwe Ncemane, emphasised the CDC’s interest to collaborate with NCPC-SA. ”We see potential parallels for Coega and the NCPC-SA to work together. These include linkages to investor support, facilities management and environmental management in terms of driving greater efficiencies and sustainability.”

The NCPC-SA, a programme of the dti, hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), underpinned by various policy and legislation, outlined its package of products and services offered to industries, which talk to energy, water, materials and waste management.

The NCPC-SA’s offering is anchored on providing assistance in the implementation of resource efficiency and cleaner production (RECP) methodologies through their three (3) flagship programmes, namely; Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) Project, Industrial Water Efficiency (IWE) Project and Industrial Symbiosis (IS) Programme.  The engagement also sought to explore how the CDC together with its tenants within the Coega SEZ and the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park (NMBLP), through the NCPC-SA initiatives, could embark on the transition into an Eco-Industrial Park (EIP) in the future.

Alf Hartzenburg, NCPC-SA National Project Manager IEE Project applauded the CDC for its willingness to identify areas of mutual benefit with the Centre.

“It is commendable to meet an industrial development estate that is as progressive in its thinking and structure, in relation to the Eco-Industrial programme, that seeks to gain greater traction across South Africa.”

As a way-forward, Investor, Logistics and Security Services Unit Head, Linda Sityoshwana suggested and expressed immense interest in the NCPC-SA offerings in advancing the opportunities for future collaboration towards increased value creation for the Coega investors and tenants.

“Coega prides itself in being environmentally conscious and eco-friendly. We welcome with open arms the NCPC-SA’s efforts in transforming the SEZ into an eco-friendly, energy and water efficient park and hope that the partnership bears fruitful results for the SEZ and its tenants,” says Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC Unit Head: Marketing, Brand and Communications.