JOHANNESBURG – Transport Minister Dipuo Peters on Friday launched South Africa’s first solar-powered airport in George, Western Cape.
“South Africa has a high level of Renewable Energy potential and presently has in place a target of generating 42% of its power needs through Renewable Energy sources by 2030,” said Peters.
“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.”
The R16 million airport will generated 750kw in its first phase.
Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said the project was ground-breaking.
“This ground-breaking 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,” she said.
“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,” said Molewa.
