SOLA Future Energy, a South African company responsible for installing Robben Island’s solar power system, has been selected as a finalist in the Vision 2030 Awards.

The awards recognise organisations, enterprises and individuals that are aligned with the government’s Nine-Point Plan to boost economic growth, and the National Development Plan (NDP). It reinforces both the public and private sector’s commitment to what is essentially a blueprint for the nation.

“We are ecstatic to be a finalist in the energy category,” says Dom Wills, CEO of SOLA Future Energy. “We aim to boost economic prosperity in South Africa through clean and affordable energy.”

He says the company is enabling the realisation of the NDP’s vision from an economic infrastructure and environmental sustainability perspective through its commitment to providing African businesses with affordable solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems.

According to Wills, SOLA Future Energy has installed more than 25 MW of solar PV capacity on large buildings and ground-mounted structures, which in total produces around 40 000 000 kWh of renewable electricity (as of April 2018).

“The company is assisting businesses to adopt cheaper, cleaner energy by providing a private solution that can work in combination with, or independent of, the state utility,” he explains.

From an environmental sustainability perspective, solar PV systems lead to notable reductions in carbon emissions, thus furthering the NDP’s goal of environmental sustainability, Wills adds.

“Since adopting a green energy system, Robben Island has already produced 650 000 kWh of solar energy which has reduced its reliance on diesel generators.”

“The Vision 2030 Awards and Summit help connect business and government, by identifying and sharing best practices of leading companies and organisations that have implemented successful development and investment projects,” says Ryland Fisher, Editorial Director at Topco Media, who is involved in facilitating the event.

The winners will be announced on 21 June 2018 at Emperors Palace.