Cape Town’s Energy Strategy: A Journey Towards a Sustainable and Reliable Future

1 min read
energy strategy sustainability

Cape Town’s draft Energy Strategy is a progressive roadmap for the city’s energy utility. The strategy aims to involve the government, private sector, residents, and businesses in creating a reliable, cost-effective, and carbon-neutral energy supply.

Ending Load-Shedding

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasizes that ending load-shedding is crucial for job-creating economic growth. The draft strategy outlines a plan to add 650 MW of independent power to Cape Town’s energy mix within five years, ultimately aiming for one gigawatt of independent power to eliminate the threat of blackouts completely.

Three Key Commitments

The strategy focuses on three key commitments: ending load-shedding, alleviating energy poverty, and optimizing energy use across Cape Town.

Short-Term Plans

Short-term load-shedding mitigation plans include a mix of the Steenbras Hydro Plant, 500 MW of dispatchable energy, and demand management programs such as Large Power Users (LPUs) curtailment and Power Heroes, which encourage households to remotely switch off power-hungry appliances during peak times.

Diverse Power Supply

Cape Town plans to add up to one gigawatt of independent power supply over time, with a diverse mix of sources including embedded IPP renewable energy, dispatchable energy, wheeling, private small-scale embedded generation (SSEG), and city-owned SSEG from the Atlantis plant and solar PV at city facilities.

Alleviating Energy Poverty

Alleviating energy poverty is another major goal of the draft strategy, with objectives to be achieved within the next five years. These include upholding a high electrification rate in informal settlements, grid enhancements and subsidy reform, a Free Basic Alternative Energy Policy for non-grid connected households, and piloting alternative public lighting solutions for unelectrified settlements.

Optimizing Energy Use

Plans to optimize energy use across Cape Town in the short term consist of a Municipal Services Energy Efficiency program, establishing an energy performance baseline for privately-owned buildings, supporting micro-developers in building efficient and affordable rental accommodations, commercial and residential demand management programs, and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.

A Pathway to a Thriving Energy Economy

Councillor Beverley van Reenen, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, states that the draft Energy Strategy offers a pathway to increase load-shedding mitigation while enabling a future-fit municipal electricity utility and a thriving local energy economy. It aims to create a competitive regional energy market, offering customers greater choice and a larger share of distributed renewable energy, supported by proactive grid maintenance.

Long-Term Intention

The city’s long-term intention is to distribute electricity directly to all customers in Cape Town, including those currently in Eskom supply areas. Talks with Eskom to resume taking over the SOE’s supply areas have stalled but are being pushed forward by Mayor Hill-Lewis for a definite timeline on resuming negotiations.

Public Comment

The draft Energy Strategy is open for public comment until July 31, 2023. To provide feedback on the draft Energy Strategy, the public can visit this link. The strategy also commits to publishing updated energy data annually on the City Open Data Portal and empowering entrepreneurs, youth, and job seekers to benefit from a growing energy sector in Cape Town.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

The Need for a Fair and Equal Healthcare System in South Africa

Next Story

The Great Youth Day Bake Off: A Celebration of Creativity and Inclusivity

Latest from Blog

Resilience Amid Flames: Cape Town’s Response to Devastating Fires

Cape Town is bravely fighting back against the wildfires that devastated its informal settlements, which left many families homeless. Local leaders are quickly providing emergency housing and asking for more support to act faster during crises. The community is coming together, working with relief groups to help those in need, and showing incredible strength and hope. As they rebuild their lives, Cape Town’s spirit shines through, proving that even in tough times, people can unite to create a brighter future.

Transforming Policing in South Africa’s Northern Cape

In South Africa’s Northern Cape, a heartwarming initiative is changing how police treat victims of genderbased violence. They are creating special Victim Friendly Rooms in police stations, where survivors can feel safe and cared for. This project, led by Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her team, aims to build trust within the community and make victims feel supported. By using technology and compassionate approaches, police are not just enforcing laws; they are becoming a source of comfort and strength for those in need.

Crime and Justice in the Western Cape: A Complex Narrative

In the Western Cape of South Africa, crime and justice form a complicated story filled with both struggles and hope. High levels of drugrelated crime and illegal guns create big challenges for communities, but law enforcement, like the AntiEconomic Crimes Task Team, works hard to make things safer. A recent operation in Beacon Valley led to the arrest of four suspects and uncovered a stash of drugs and a gun, showing the ongoing battle against crime. This situation reflects not just individual actions but deeper social issues that affect many lives, highlighting the need for a fair and understanding justice system. Through this, we see a blend of resilience, culture, and the community’s strong spirit striving for a better future.

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Firefighters Bring Joy to Children

In December 2024, firefighters brightened the holidays for children in care facilities by delivering wrapped gifts with big smiles. Partnering with Pick n Pay, they spread joy and gratitude after receiving support during a tough summer of wildfires. Each visit was a heartwarming reminder of kindness, as firefighters became symbols of generosity, teaching kids about empathy and community spirit. This joyful initiative shows how simple acts of giving can light up lives and strengthen bonds in the community.

A Persistent Nightmare in Embalenhle: Justice Served

In Embalenhle, South Africa, a dark nightmare unfolded as Themba Prince Shongwe committed terrible crimes, including rapes and murders, from 2016 to 2018. The community lived in fear as he targeted innocent girls, causing heartbreak and loss. Finally, justice was served when he was found guilty and sentenced to nine life terms in prison, bringing relief to the grieving families and a sense of safety back to the community. This victory shines a light on the importance of standing against violence and working together to protect the vulnerable.