KEY POINTS
- Swartland plans 10MW solar PPA with an IPP.
- 30 hectares in Malmesbury allocated for the project.
- RFP expected to launch in March/April 2026.
The Swartland Municipality in South Africa’s Western Cape is moving to secure 10MW of solar power under a twenty-year Power Purchase Agreement. The project, aimed at boosting local energy resilience and reducing reliance on Eskom-supplied electricity, will involve a NERSA-registered independent power producer and is expected to begin procurement in early 2026.
Land and regulatory approvals secured
The municipality has allocated 30 hectares of land in Malmesbury for the solar PV facility. Authorities say the site has low environmental sensitivity and has been registered under the Exclusion Norms (Government Notice No 4558 of 27 March 2024), meaning no environmental authorisation is required. Swartland officials confirmed that all necessary municipal approval processes have been completed and the project meets the criteria outlined in the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan.
Technical and feasibility studies completed
According to ESI Africa, Swartland conducted detailed technical and feasibility studies to determine whether purchasing electricity from independent power producers would be viable and deliver value for money. The studies confirmed the project is technically feasible. Network assessments and other technical evaluations have also been completed. Following these outcomes, the municipality plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) in March or April 2026, provided all preparatory work and approvals are finalised.
Prospective bidders will have the opportunity to engage directly with municipal officials for clarification and project details after the RFP is issued. Swartland officials said the step is part of a broader strategy to strengthen local energy security and diversify power sources. The project is seen as a critical step toward reducing interruptions caused by Eskom supply constraints and supporting renewable energy integration within the municipality.
