Riversdale Solar Energy Project Making 'Satisfactory Progress': Western Cape Premier Alan Winde

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said that the Riversdale solar energy project, which aims to provide reliable, affordable, and renewable energy, is progressing well.

Riversdale, a growing area for economic activity and job creation, is located along the N2 highway in the Hessequa region between Cape Town and George. The town is mainly focused on agriculture and serves as a hub for shopping and services for nearby farming communities, smaller towns, and coastal resorts.

Riversdale Solar Energy is a multimillion-rand project, currently under construction in Riversdale, Southern Cape, following a ground-breaking ceremony in September 2024, SA News reported.

Winde, who visited the project site, said the solar energy project is crucial for ensuring energy security, even though the country has recently seen a break from load shedding. The first phase of the project is expected to supply power to local businesses by the start of next year.

In three years, it will be expanded to provide power to all residents in the Hessequa region. Winde believes that municipalities in the Western Cape should keep exploring and investing in alternative energy solutions, focusing on making power more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Winde said the Riversdale project and similar initiatives will help counter Eskom's proposed 44% electricity price hike for municipalities in the upcoming financial year. These projects will allow municipalities to ease the impact of these increases and pass the benefits to residents.

He emphasized that the project not only ensures energy security, especially after recent power cuts but also promotes responsible power generation through renewable, affordable energy. Eskom has requested a 44% increase in electricity prices for the 2024/2025 financial year.

The Western Cape Government sees the Riversdale project crucial to meet local energy needs and support economic growth and job creation in the region. The solar project includes a 10 MW solar system capable of generating 15 million kilowatt-hours annually.

The project includes a 10 MW-hour battery energy storage system for efficient storage and discharge. It also has advanced monitoring and control systems for real-time tracking and optimization.

The project will be implemented in three phases and will provide energy to all of Riversdale, which has a population of around 22,000.

Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré praised the WCG for helping municipalities integrate renewable energy into their models and commended Hessequa Municipality for its leadership in using renewable energy for the benefit of residents.

The WCG's efforts for affordable, reliable, and renewable energy extend across the province, with projects like solar PV installations guided by the Energy Resilience Program, aiming to generate 5,700 MW by 2035.