Cape Town has started building its first solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Atlantis, marking a milestone in its efforts to diversify energy resources and reduce reliance on Eskom’s power supply.
The 7MW-10MW plant is the first utility-scale solar project owned and operated by a South African municipality.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Energy Mayco Member Alderman Xanthea Limberg turned the sod at the site, where construction is expected to be completed within a year.
“What an exciting day this is for Cape Town and the people of Atlantis,” said Hill-Lewis.
“This is one of our flagship projects to build a more secure energy future with cleaner and more affordable energy."
The R200 million project will connect to a nearby substation to feed power directly into the grid. The first electricity is expected by late 2025, and the City is exploring plans to roll out similar plants across the metro in the future.
The City also announced the release of its first 5MW battery storage tender, with the storage facility to be constructed on the same site.
"The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project aims to serve as a pilot project to eventually incorporate energy storage within the City’s network,” said Limberg.
Cape Town’s investment programme, which includes R39.5 billion in infrastructure spending between 2024 and 2027, aims to reduce reliance on Eskom as electricity price hikes continue. The Atlantis project is expected to create jobs and boost the local economy.
"Our Atlantis project will have significant benefits for the economy and job creation, increasing green jobs across various skill levels. We are working closely with all stakeholders," said Hill-Lewis.
The City currently spends 75% of its electricity tariff income on purchasing power from Eskom, a situation both Limberg and Hill-Lewis argue is unsustainable amid the utility’s escalating prices. The move to renewable energy is seen as critical to mitigate these rising costs.
“We ask potential tenderers to visit the City’s tender portal for more information and to submit their application before November 20,” said Alderman Limberg.
IOL