Moscow: AfricUpdate – News Desk
eThekwini, in KwaZulu-Natal, has become the first city in South Africa to receive government approval to generate its own electricity from renewable sources. The announcement was made by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The approved plan covers 400 megawatts (MW) of new generation – 100MW from solar photovoltaic projects and 300MW from gas-to-power. This is reported by DUrbanTV, a partner of TV BRICS.
The initiative is projected to attract R8.5 billion (about US$484 million) in private investment and create around 2,200 jobs during construction and operation. Minister Ramokgopa said the approval would strengthen local energy security and support economic growth, while Mayor Cyril Xaba noted it formed a key part of the city’s long-term energy strategy.
