The Gauteng Provincial Government says it is progressing with its plans to reduce the country’s economic hub’s dependence on Eskom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his State of the Province Address on Monday (19 February), Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi noted that the province aims to tap into 800MW of solar power through a new solar park, which will supply additional capacity to the grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This plan – part of Gauteng’s budgeted R1.2 billion energy investment – will eventually provide a “shield to residents against two stages of load shedding”, the premier said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lesufi said that Sibanye-Stillwater had recently approved land leases of the province’s appointed six independent power producers who will develop a photovoltaic power station (also known as a solar farm cluster) in the Merafong Local Municipality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This investment, combined with smart metres, can generate the megawatts needed to cushion our residents against two stages of load shedding, a critical step toward energy stability for the nation\u2019s economic hub,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, around 100MW of capacity is expected to be added to the grid from April by City Power using the Open Cycle Gas Turbine technology facilities in Johnware and Durban Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe will continue to expand to 300MW in the new financial year,” said Lesufi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The provincial government said this intervention is critical, considering Gauteng contributes around one-third of South Africa’s GDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe protracted electricity crisis has caused significant hardship for people in our province and has had a detrimental effect on the growth of Gauteng\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Although energy is not a competency of the province, load shedding\u2019s crippling effect on the functionality of the state and its impact on broader society compelled us to intervene,\u201d said Lesufi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n