South African solar energy park 'will happen'

19 October 2010

The South African government has vowed to continue with its plans to create a solar energy park.

It could be providing electricity to the national grid by 2012 and its cost has been put at 150 billion South African Rand (£13 billion) over the course of ten years, Business Day reports.

Energy minister Dipuo Peters noted a realistic target for production can only be arrived at once feasibility studies have been completed.

Her comments come after it had been speculated the release of the integrated resource plan - a 20-year electricity capacity blueprint - may impact on the government's plans for the solar park in Upington.

However, the construction group Fluor Corporation has been hired to draw up a master plan for the site.

It has recently revealed community projects in Gambia, which have been funded by the International Development Association and the Japanese government, are proving successful in improving water, road and health infrastructure.
 

Category: Energy