South Africa has launched a U.S.$1 million solar plant which will make George Airport the country and continent’s first solar-powered airport.
The airport is implementing the solar energy project in phases. As part of the first phase, a 200 square metre solar plant was opened last week which will provide 40 percent of the airport’s energy needs.
Upon completion, the plant is designed to deliver 750Kw power to the airport.
Speaking at the plant’s launch ceremony, Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters said the initiative shows the government’s commitment towards building a low-carbon and resource efficient economy and society.
Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa congratulated the Department of Transport on the success of the project.
“The new solar-powered airport will rely on cost-effective, renewable sources to generate energy, and simultaneously support South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets,” said Minister Molewa.
The launch of the project provides hope for other airports in South African and across the continent. Africa receives mores sunlight than any other region in the world, which makes solar energy key resource in the continent’s development agenda.
Source: SA Gov news
