ANC commends launch of Kimberley Airport Solar Power Plant
Mabilo SP
ANC commends the Department of Transport on the official opening of a yet another solar-powered airport in Kimberley recently. Transport Minister Dipuo Peters on Friday, 13 May 2016, officially opened the Kimberley Airport Solar Plant, a project that is spearheaded by the Airports Company of South Africa at a special ceremony in the city. The construction of the Kimberley Airport solar plant started in September last year and forms part of the ACSA's broader plan to install solar energy plants at all six regional airports over the next three to five years. This is to make the regional airports more self-sufficient.
This initiative is in line with the government's sustainable development imperatives, energy security priorities and environmental conservation obligations. In its first phase, the Kimberley Airport solar plant will generate 141 870 kWh and is forecasted to produce approximately 927 000 kWh hours per year. During the construction period of the Kimberley Airport Solar Plant, five permanent and 26 temporary employment opportunities were created. In addition, practical training and skills transfer to operate and maintain the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) plant was conducted which included cleaning modules, replacing malfunctioning electrical components and monitoring performance of PV plant, amongst other technical skills. The ANC led government will continue to invest on the development of infrastructure that will ensure environmental sustainability and an equitable transition to a low-carbon economy.
Siyaqhuba
