Solar power for SA airports
Volume: Volume 2 Issue 9 |  Monday, 28 November 2011 |  ARTHI SANPATH  |  0 comment

inhabitat.com

Plans are in the pipeline for four South African airports to be fitted with solar power installations to collectively generate 20MW of electricity.

Acsa spokesman Solomon Makgale said OR Tambo International, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and Upington airports have been identified as sites for photovoltaic plants.

“The intended developments are still at feasibility stage and will be subject to regulatory approval and the granting of a power-purchase agreements in line with processes yet to be outlined by the Department of Energy,” said Makgale.

A basic impact assessment was completed in April this year for the photovoltaic installations and Acsa will have to await the approval from relevant departments such as the Department of Energy.

The need for the solar plants arises from the electricity crisis in the country, according to Acsa.

If given the final go-ahead, OR Tambo International will have a roof-based installation on the parkade building, which is expected to feed into the Acsa-owned substation for about 20 years.