Swartland Municipality in the Western Cape is advancing plans to reduce its reliance on Eskom-supplied electricity through a long-term solar power procurement project aimed at strengthening local energy resilience.
The municipality intends to enter into a 20-year power purchase agreement with a National Energy Regulator of South Africa-registered independent power producer (IPP) for the development of a 10 MWp solar photovoltaic facility. The project is part of Swartland’s broader strategy to diversify its electricity supply.
Approximately 30 hectares of municipal land in Malmesbury has been designated for the generation facility. According to the municipality, the site has been assessed as having low environmental sensitivity and is registered under the exclusion norms of the National Environmental Management Act adopted on March 27, 2024. As a result, no environmental authorisation is required for the development.
The project was identified through the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan, which highlighted the need to improve energy resilience. According to Swartland Municipality, it undertook technical and feasibility studies to assess the viability and value for money of procuring electricity from IPPs. The positive outcome of these studies enabled the municipality to proceed with the procurement process.
All required internal approval processes have been completed, Swartland stated. The municipality plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the project during March and April, subject to the completion of remaining statutory and regulatory approvals. Prospective bidders will be given an opportunity to engage with the municipality after the release of the RFP.
