Ekurhuleni signs agreement to unlock renewable energy wheeling
Wheeling removes potential barriers in that renewable energy projects don’t have to be developed and built near the end user where ground or roof space is scarce.
The City of Ekurhuleni signed an agreement with Teraco to unlock renewable energy wheeling in the metro, the executive mayor Tania Campbell announced on July 25.
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“Teraco is a leading interconnection hub and data centre company.
“The CoE is host to Africa’s largest data centre, which has a 38MW of critical power load in Ekurhuleni,” said Campbell.
She explained wheeling is the act of transporting electricity from a generator to a geographically distant end-user through the use of an existing distribution or transmission system.
“Wheeling removes potential barriers to significant scale in that renewable energy projects don’t have to be developed and built near the end user where ground or roof space is scarce.
“It also enables the deployment of renewable energy projects in high energy yield but low environmental and social impact areas,” said Campbell.
She said this agreement provides Teraco with certainty for its investment in two 100 MW utility-scale solar power generation projects, which, when fully operational, are expected to produce more than 500 000 MWh per annum.
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“It also enables the company to discuss power purchase agreements to procure renewable energy from independent power producers.
“We invite the business community in Ekurhuleni to engage the city, through our energy department, on potential renewable energy wheeling prospects and other sustainable energy initiatives that may support energy security in the city,” said Campbell.
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