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In the face of South Africa’s persistent load shedding crisis, small towns across the country are pioneering solutions to liberate themselves from dependence on Eskom, our only national power supplier.
The recent endeavours of towns like Riversdale and Clarens are not only transforming local energy landscapes but also reshaping the prospects of tourism and sustainable living in South Africa.
Riversdale’s journey towards load shedding freedom
Determined to make the province load-shedding-free, the Western Cape Government pledged to allocate around R7 billion towards projects that will make it self-reliant and improve its energy resilience. The challenge of the Energy Resilience Programme is not only how it will be rolled out, but also how the local government will collaborate with the 25 municipalities.
In 2023, Riversdale, a quaint little town in the picturesque Garden Route region, unveiled its ambitious plan to bid farewell to the scourge of load shedding. With the support of the Western Cape Government, Riversdale aims to implement a groundbreaking renewable energy project valued at R210 million over the next three years. This project encompasses the installation of 10-megawatt hours (MWh) of solar photovoltaic capacity and a battery energy storage system capable of producing around 15 million kilowatt hours of energy annually, which can be stored on lithium-ion batteries and sold back into the grid for consumption during non-peak periods. Coupled with this, the project comprises advanced monitoring and control mechanisms that deliver real-time tracking.
The significance of this initiative extends far beyond uninterrupted power supply. By ensuring stable electricity, Riversdale not only safeguards critical infrastructure and essential services but also nurtures a conducive environment for economic growth. With over 22,000 residents set to benefit from this transformation, Riversdale is poised to emerge as a beacon of resilience and progress in the face of energy challenges.
In a press statement, Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape, expressed his optimism about the Riversdale pilot ‘experiment’ and hinted at future projects in the pipeline, such as the construction of three 75MW solar farms in the Touws River area, another including 20,000 ground solar panels, and more.
How and why Clarens became the first ‘smart’ town
Meanwhile, in the heart of the Free State, Clarens has scripted a similar tale of self-reliance. Through innovative load curtailment strategies, Clarens has become South Africa’s inaugural town where residents actively manage their own electricity consumption.
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Spearheaded by Eskom in collaboration with the local community, this initiative empowers residents through ‘voluntary curtailment’ by leveraging an application-based load management system, which was created especially for this project by Augos, a tech company that specialises in advanced cloud data tracking and monitoring.
‘A meter was installed at the town’s main point of supply,’ said Gert Kruger, the nominated curtailment coordinator for Clarens. ‘Every 60 seconds the meter sends real-time statistics of the town’s current demand, prompting further reduction if required.’
Once load curtailment has been called, the appointed group coordinator engages the community. Together decisions are made regarding the regulation of equipment or businesses that could be shut down to alleviate strain on the national grid during critical periods when consumption is high.
According to Eskom, the electricity demand should be reduced by 10% to 20% during curtailment Stages 1 to 4. The power utility constantly monitors the curtailment process under threat of reinstating load shedding where three instances of non-compliance have been found.
The town has further readied itself for curtailment in the form of various types of small-scale embedded generators (SSEGs), smart meters, electrical vehicle charging stations, and home-based power management systems.
By embracing smart technologies and fostering an attitude of voluntary participation, Clarens sets a precedent for sustainable energy management across the country.
Economic resilience through independence
The transition towards load-shedding-free towns holds immense promise for South Africa, especially where tourism is a big economic driver. Small towns like Riversdale and Clarens, endowed with natural beauty and cultural richness, stand to attract a greater influx of visitors who are drawn to uninterrupted leisure experiences. The absence of power disruptions not only enhances visitor satisfaction but also bolsters local businesses, which serve as the lifeblood of these communities.
‘In Riversdale and the surrounding Hessequa region, tourism is one of the biggest economic contributors and a priority sector for development and investment,’ explains Riaan Malan, Senior Tourism and Development Officer. ‘The load shedding experienced over the last decade has negatively impacted tourism, as travellers prefer destinations with a reliable electricity source. Navigating load shedding would improve the destination’s tourism status, increase visitor figures, and invite much-needed investment.’
The ripple effects of energy independence extend beyond tourism. By reducing reliance on Eskom and integrating renewable energy solutions, small towns mitigate the burden on the national power grid. This decentralisation of energy production optimises grid usage and maintains a more equitable distribution of energy resources across regions.
