The Swartland Municipality in South Africa’s Western Cape is advancing plans to develop a 10 MW solar photovoltaic project as part of its transition toward renewable energy. The municipality intends to sign a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with a NERSA-registered independent power producer to generate clean electricity, marking a long-term commitment to sustainable power generation at the local level.
A 30-hectare site in Malmesbury has been identified for the solar PV facility, with municipal authorities confirming that the land has low environmental sensitivity. The site has been registered under the Exclusion Norms in terms of Government Notice No. 4558 of 27 March 2024, allowing the project to proceed without the need for formal environmental authorization and reducing potential regulatory delays.
The solar initiative aligns with Swartland’s Integrated Development Plan, which prioritizes energy resilience and a reduced reliance on Eskom-supplied electricity. Municipal technical, network, and feasibility studies have demonstrated that sourcing power from independent producers is both technically viable and cost-effective, with all required internal approvals already secured.
Looking ahead, Swartland Municipality plans to issue a Request for Proposals for the project in March or April 2026, subject to final administrative preparations. Once released, the RFP process will allow interested bidders to engage directly with municipal officials to clarify project requirements, reinforcing the municipality’s broader commitment to clean energy development and long-term energy security.
