INSIDE METROS REPORTER|
THE Stellenbosch Municipality has commenced with an investigation into the use and generation of alternate electricity energy supplies.
The move was adopted by the Stellenbosch Council on Wednesday.
With blackouts and load-shedding frequently sweeping across the nation due to the energy crisis in South Africa, it has become imperative for municipalities to start investigating alternate energy sources, said Executive Mayor Gesie van Deventer on Thursday.
“The decision puts Stellenbosch in the lead to potentially become the first municipality in the country to eliminate load shedding,” said Van Deventer.
“The promulgation of the Electricity Regulation Act Regulations in October 2020 opened the door for municipalities to start investigating how they can generate their own electricity and purchase electricity from independent power producers (IPP). We are proud to be the first out of the starting blocks in this regard.”
Van Deventer said the decision marked the official start of a journey for Stellenbosch Municipality that may culminate in energy independence and long-term energy sustainability. The adoption of this report by Council paves the way for an investigation into the need, viability and opportunities to be conducted.
“Our Municipality is in the fortunate position of having some of the brightest minds in the energy sector right on our doorstep. We will be able to make use of brilliant internal research entities, experts at the University of Stellenbosch, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Western Cape Government as part of our joint investigation,” he said.
“This joint investigation will focus on various potential sources of energy production, including rooftop solar panels, methane mining, allowing the public to generate electricity and sell this to the municipality, purchasing electricity directly from registered IPPs, and the possible selling of electricity to willing buyers from outside our municipal area.”
(SOURCE: INSIDE METROS)