SOLAR PANELS The existing buildings in the Coega Industrial Development Zone lent themselves well to rooftop solar panel installations
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 issued a request for proposals (RFP) from potential suppliers last week. The RFP will close on July 6.
CDC business development manager for energy Sandisiwe Ncemane says the existing buildings lend 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 adds.
Government mandated the CDC to advance the project as an integrated and holistic development in the shortest possible timeframe. The investment will indirectly contribute to job creation and economic development in the Eastern Cape.
CDC head of marketing and communications Ayanda Vilakazi says investments in solar energy will position the Coega IDZ as a green IDZ with efficient energy at lower costs.
The investment is also aimed at creating further value for the CDC investors, as energy supply is key to economic development worldwide, he says.
“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, include several green energy component manufacturing industries in wind power generation, solar energy harvesting and bioenergy,” notes Ncemane.