Authorities in the Nelson Mandela Bay, in the Eastern Cape, met on Tuesday to take stock of the proposed projects to advance energy security.
This includes projects such as a 4.5 Gigawatts (GW) local power station, 20GW green hydrogen initiative aiming for a multi-province collaboration, launch of smart tech projects and secured charging infrastructure.
In addition, there will be a national training programmes for African graduates, as well as efforts to strengthen governance and anti-corruption measures.
Mbulelo Yedwa, General Manager of the Cape Coastal Cluster, at Eskom, shared plans to boost energy, jobs and industrial growth in the region.
Velaphi Ntuli, Chief Nuclear Officer, shared how the Eskom Nuclear Newbuild Programme in the Eastern Cape is advancing small and large reactors to secure clean, reliable energy.
Ntuli said the project will “boost local economies with jobs and small and medium enterprises, develop skills for engineers and technicians, support communities with housing and infrastructure, ensure safety and environmental compliance.”
The meeting between Eskom and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality occurred simultaneously, with a site visit to residents of McCarthy Informal Settlement in Kariega, Ward 48, who have no electricity.
Ndumiso Nqwazi, on behalf of the MMC for Electricity & Energy, said Phase 1 of the electrification programme is currently underway, in the area.
Picture: Supplied