The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) plans to fit 15 of its buildings, totalling 127 000 m2 of roof space, in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), in the Eastern Cape, with solar panels.
The CDC would, on June 25, issue a request for proposals (RFP) from potential suppliers. The RFP would close on July 6.
CDC business development manager for energy Sandisiwe Ncemane said the existing buildings lent themselves well to rooftop solar panel installations.
“We are also building a number of new industrial facilities, which will be designed to enable the implementation of solar power solutions on the roofs. CDC facilities to be built for investors are projected to provide a further 125 000 m2 of industrial space over the next five years,” she added.
Government mandated the CDC to advance the project as an integrated and holistic development in the shortest possible timeframe. The investment would indirectly contribute to job creation and economic development in the Eastern Cape.
CDC head of marketing and communications Ayanda Vilakazi said investments in solar energy would position the Coega IDZ as a green IDZ with efficient energy at lower costs.
The investment was also aimed at creating further value for the CDC investors, as energy supply was key to economic development worldwide, he said.
“The CDC has also built momentum on its renewable-energy strategy by attracting and sustaining domestic and foreign direct investment in energy projects, which, to date, includes several green energy component manufacturing industries in wind power generation, solar energy harvesting and bioenergy,” noted Ncemane.