The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Power Africa initiative, through its Southern African Energy Programme (SAEP) will be offering technical assistance to the City of Cape Town (CoCT) in relation to procurement of renewable energy from independent power producers (IPPs). The city stated that the assistance will help the city reduce reliance on Eskom supplied electricity.
The donation by USAID will assist the City with a number of projects relating to renewable energy purchase, generation and energy efficiency interventions. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, welcomed the donation of assistance.
The technical assistance from the USAID is free of charge and the City and the USAID have agreed that the approximate value of the assistance to be provided is R1,8 million.
The assistance from Power Africa to CoCT includes support on:
- Pre-feasibility study of a renewable energy facility at Paardevlei in Somerset West
- Expert support on the IPP Procurement programme of the City, including review of its draft power purchase agreements
- Tariff design for the City’s independent power producer programme
- Financial modelling input to 10MW Atlantis Solar feasibility study
The City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate is currently embarking on a number of projects relating to renewable energy purchase and generation, and other sustainable energy interventions to help the city reduce the occurrence of load shedding within its jurisdiction.
“We are truly grateful for the USAID assistance which will go a long way in helping the City with its renewable energy purchase and generation and energy efficiency interventions,” said Councillor van Reenen.
“The assistance is free of charge and the USAID and its team of consultants have the necessary expertise. The work is also aligned to City policy and imperatives relating to energy sector reform and climate change mitigation, which remains a top priority given our country’s energy constraints and the changing energy governance landscape,” Councillor van Reened added
“The City remains committed to its sustainable energy programmes to ensure that our city is future-fit. We thank the USAID for their assistance and expertise,” van Reenen concludes.
