City ramps up focus on alternative energy solutions for off-grid informal settlements

(Media Release: Issued and provided by the City of Cape Town)

As part of the City’s Urban Energy Poverty Programme, alternative energy solutions are being investigated in informal settlements where grid-connected electrification is not possible.

In City-supplied areas, where feasible, almost 100% of the older existing informal settlements have been electrified. But there are many existing and newer settlements that exist or that have formed on land where it is not possible to electrify, such as on wetlands, in ponds or on road- and nature reserves. 

Access to safe and sustainable energy sources remains a vital focus for the City not only to improve living conditions but also to reduce the risk of devastating fires primarily caused by open, unattended flames.

City Mayoral Committee Member, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, met up with active community partners in the alternative energy sphere, iShack (in Blackheath), Zonke Energy and the University of Exeter (in Qandu Qandu, Khayelitsha) for a first-hand look at how these organisations are working to solve access to household power and public lighting in areas where grid-connection is not possible. 

"Our investigation looks into what are the benefits and opportunities to scale up such alternative energy solutions. Our focus is on indoor solar lights, renewable energy public lighting, alternative energy for cellphone charging as well as wonderbags and cooking insulators for affordability and safety," said Councillor Van Reenen. 

Read the full press release here.