In a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become a low carbon economy, Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) has launched a first solar-powered airport in George, Western Cape.
SA transport minister Dipuo Peters said that South Africa has a high level of renewable energy potential and presently has in place a target of generating 42 per cent of its power needs through renewable energy sources by the year 2030.
“The George Airport Photovoltaic Power Plant was initiated by the Department of Transport’s globally esteemed state-owned entity, the Airports Company of South Africa as part of its commitment to reduce the load on the country’s constrained power grid and to contribute towards sustainable development.” she added
According to eNCA, the ZAR16 million ($995,467) airport will generate 750kW in its first phase.
Highlighting this project, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, that the initiative shows that government is well on track in transitioning South Africa to a low-carbon, inclusive, resource efficient and climate resilient economy and society.
“The new solar-powered airport will rely on cost-effective, renewable sources to generate energy, and simultaneously support South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.” she says
Kimberley and Upington SA’s two most popular airports will also be installed with a solar-powered system as one of Acsa’s plan to reduce its dependence on the national grid.
