Green energy saves city mall 2 200 electricity units each day | Western Cape Government

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Green energy saves city mall 2 200 electricity units each day

16 February 2017

A Cape Town shopping mall is saving 2 200 units of electricity each day due to the installation of renewable energy systems.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities today (16 February 2017) visited Bayside Mall in Table View as part of the Western Cape Government’s month-long energy efficiency awareness campaign.

As part of its Going Green project, Bayside Mall harvests rainwater and generates solar electricity.

Through this system, they are reducing the electricity they need from Eskom by about 2 200 units each day.

Minister Winde said Bayside Mall had reported significant cost savings since the installation of its rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system two years ago. The mall’s rooftop PV system includes 2 000 solar panels.

“Bayside Mall has saved R1 million through its reduced energy savings initiatives, and used around 800 000 less kilowatts of energy over the same period. These figures show us that energy efficiency is the responsible and moneywise way to operate.

Today’s event forms part of  in the Western Cape Government’s energy efficiency awareness campaign and is the second visit to a company that has installed energy efficient technology since it kicked off at the beginning of February .

The campaign’s message is: “Solar. The best way to save under the Sun.” It focuses on raising awareness about the benefits of installing solar water heaters and solar PV panels, as a cost saving measure, and in line with creating a greener world.

Minister Winde said the energy efficiency awareness campaign forms part of the Energy Security game-changer, a joint initiative of the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town and the five largest local municipalities, namely Stellenbosch, George, Drakenstein, Saldanha Bay and Mossel Bay.

“Through this campaign we are showcasing companies who are leading the way in sustainable energy. I believe they will serve as an inspiration to other businesses.”

The following are the key outcomes of the game-changer:

  • Enhanced uptake of rooftop PhotoVoltaic (PV): increase the installed capacity of rooftop PV to Western Cape electricity supply to 135 MW (equivalent to the capacity of 4 x Western Cape based wind farms) by 2020;

  • Enhanced uptake of efficient water heating (EWH), including Solar Water Heaters (SWH): increase the installed SWH or heat pump units to 155,000 by 2020

  • Reduced energy consumption in both public and private buildings: 30% reduction in energy consumption in provincial government buildings by 2020;

  • Enhanced load management: optimally manage the electricity grid in order to reduce peak demand and minimise the likelihood and impact of load shedding;

  • More electricity generated through wind, solar and natural gas: Increased diversity of electricity supply through Independent Power Producers (IPPs) by 2020.

The goal of the Energy Security Game Changer is to ensure long-term energy security through the availability of reliable, diverse and low carbon energy to support economic growth and improve communities in the Western Cape.

The campaign programme for the month includes:

  • Media visit to ACA, a local textile company with Minister Winde and Premier Zille, 21   February 2017

  • Digital and social media campaign

  • Newspaper, magazine and radio advertising

  • Billboard and My CiTi bus advertising

Media Enquiries: 

Bronwynne Jooste

Spokesperson: Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities

Responsible for Tourism, Economic Development and Agriculture

Western Cape Government

Physical Address: 142 Long Street, Cape Town

Tel: 021 483 3550

Cell: 060 970 4301

Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

Twitter: bronwynnejooste