The administrative and commercial hub of the Garden Route, George has a lot to live up to. And now, the small town has been put on the map even more because it hosts the first airport – not only in South Africa, but on the whole continent – to be powered by a $1 million solar plant.
As we speak, the first phase of the solar energy project has been completed, with the plant providing 40 percent of the airport’s energy needs. Implementing the solar energy project in phases, the first phase included a 200 sq. m. section that was opened last week. Once the solar plant is completed, it will deliver 750 Kw of power to the airport.
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.
The launch of this poses hope for the rest of the continent as Africa receives more sunlight than any other region in the world, which makes solar energy key resource in the continent’s development agenda.
Go, George!
[source: thisisafrica&sanews]
