Paarden Island solar project a “step in the right direction” to net zero emissions
Author: riaan@wecanchange.co.za
Africa’s largest fishing company has charted an ambitious course targeting zero emissions by 2050 and has just reached a notable waypoint on that voyage.
Commercial Cold Storage (CCS), an Oceana Group company, has just completed a R4,47 million project to install 478,72kWp of solar power on the roof of its Paarden Eiland facility.
Energy Partners Solar provided and installed the system, which comprises 1 088 solar panels covering 2 154m2. These will generate 749MWh/ year or enough electricity to provide power to 75 average households.
Ina Botha, CCS executive director, says that as well as reducing demand on the national grid, the renewable electricity will save 741 tons of carbon dioxide a year.
She explains that while CCS ensures its temperature-controlled storage is as energy efficient as possible, large facilities storing fresh produce which can require temperatures to be as low as minus 60oC, use a lot of electricity.
“Not only will this investment pay for itself over the next 3 years but will also take the Group closer to achieving its carbon neutrality goal.”
Oceana’s Carbon Neutrality Project aims at reducing emissions by 50% over the next nine years, before reaching its zero emissions in 2050.
Group CEO, Imran Soomra, says: “This project is a first but important step towards achieving our environmental sustainability goals. Our future plans include mega renewable energy projects, particularly along the west coast, which will have a lasting, positive impact on the communities in which we operate.”
