The Eastern Cape Government remains committed to addressing the issues surrounding renewable energy and global warming and aims to draw 2% of energy needs from renewable energy sources by 2025. As such a number of sites in the Eastern Cape have been identified as having potential in terms of alternative energy generation.
At present four projects are still in the planning stages. These include:
- A proposed wind farm outside Jeffery's Bay in the Western part of the province;
- A pilot solar-power farm in the Karoo;
- ASGISA EC (Pty) Ltd renewable energy initiatives; and
- A joint partnership between the Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality and the Danish Government to provide solar-powered geysers to low cost housing in the municipal area in return for carbon-credits.
Commercial and residential property developers are also making use of renewable energy and a number of "estate-type" developments are making use of alternative energy sources. These include wind, solar and natural gas to power energy intensive operations.
Eskom, the national electricity provider, is also in the process of promoting alternative energy sources and, to this end, they are providing subsidies to households who consider solar water heating systems.
Coupled to these projects and developments is the active involvement of both the Coega and the East London IDZ's in drawing investors into the zones who specialise in the design, development and manufacture of alternative energy systems, components and electricity generation.
Opportunities exist for investors to explore joint projects with local, district and provincial government and commerce and industry in the Eastern Cape in terms of renewable energy.
