EASTERN Cape businesses have been urged to move quickly and grasp opportunities provided by a leading-edge, power-saving project in Nelson Mandela Bay.

The message came from Central Energy Fund (CEF) executive Jabu Shabalala and followed an announcement that a R10-million pilot project to install the first of a planned 100000 solar-powered water heaters is only days away.

It is part of a wide-ranging R2-billion energy efficiency programme for the metro, details of which were announced at a packed Mandela Bay Media Association briefing at the weekend. The update was provided by CEF energy development general manager Dr Manny Singh.

The first phase, taking place after several years of discussions, involved the installation of 500 solar-heated geysers. It would begin within a week, Singh said.

The plan was to install 60000 units within five years, with more to follow.

Shabalala, the programme manager for CEF’s solar projects, said later in the presentation to close to 200 delegates that many of the components of the first geysers would be imported. These included special solar tubes, which were available from only two companies in the world.

But there would be many opportunities later for local businesses to make components and manufacture the solar panels and geysers.

“Within two years, the specialist companies will be looking at establishing local manufacturing and the opportunities presented by this will include some in Mandela Bay,” Shabalala said.

He urged local business to act immediately and contact organisations – particularly the Industrial Development Corporation – to capitalise on the opportunities.

“We do want local manufacture of these systems,” Shabalala assured the briefing.

In his presentation, Singh said a large number of energy conservation and efficiency projects were planned and budgeted for in Mandela Bay and other parts of the Eastern Cape and Garden Route.

These included:

A R498-million wind farm, which would also provide a number of support opportunities for local businesses;

The municipality standing to earn up to R500-million in carbon credits by trading these with countries overseas;

Savings of up to R180-million being made in the more efficient use of fuel and power in the municipality;

As part of the R180-million, projects would include replacing road lighting with energy-saving fittings and bulbs;

A R94-million landfill project to recover methane gas. This could provide on-site jobs for local communities, Singh said, as the gas could be used as the power source for an ice-making plant.

The herald – Weekend Post