Solarise Africa partners with Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club
The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club has officially launched its solar power and battery microgrid in a pioneering move towards sustainable energy practices.
Green Fairways
The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club Tees Off a New Era with Groundbreaking Solar/BESS Microgrid Installation
Johannesburg, 23 January 2024 – In a pioneering move towards sustainable energy practices, The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club has officially launched its solar power and battery microgrid.
This groundbreaking project, developed in collaboration with Solarise Africa, Hooray Power and Caracal Engineering, marks a significant leap towards energy independence and environmental responsibility, as it represents the first instance where a club of this size has adopted a solar and battery microgrid project of such magnitude.
“Selecting Solarise Africa as our energy partner was a strategic decision driven by their expert approach, proven success, and innovative power purchase model that relieved us of the capital burden associated with outright purchase and future technology requirements,” said Christopher Bentley, CEO of The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.
The construction process commenced in October 2023 and the solar carports and battery room were built in record time. “With our solar system now operational, generating around 400Mwh of energy per year, we anticipate substantial savings on our monthly energy bills, coupled with the assurance of a constant energy supply. This venture not only secures our financial interests but also aligns seamlessly with our commitment to environmental sustainability,” Bentley concluded.
Sakkie van Wijk, Co-Founder and COO at Solarise Africa, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club’s commitment to sustainability is commendable. Over the 20-year PPA term, The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club is projected to save approximately R21 million on utility costs, marking a substantial financial and environmental impact. This collaboration exemplifies the positive impact that businesses can have on both the environment and their bottom line. We are proud to be a part of this historic project, empowering the club to harness the potential of solar energy and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.”
Adriaan Erasmus, CEO of Hooray Power, highlighted the significance of the project, saying, “Elevating the golfing experience to new heights, the energy solution installation at the golf course is a beacon of sustainability and resilience. By seamlessly integrating green energy into the course’s infrastructure, we managed to mitigate the environmental impact traditionally associated with generators, reducing noise pollution and carbon emissions. In embracing this cutting-edge energy solution, the golf course not only demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship but also fortifies its operations against external energy uncertainties, embodying a harmonious fusion of luxury, sustainability, and resilience.”
Nathan Venter, Managing Director of Caracal Engineering, the company responsible for the solar PV mounting structure, expressed gratitude, stating, “Caracal Engineering is honoured to have been afforded the privilege by Solarise Africa to work on the solar transformation of The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. Thank you for choosing us to design, engineer, manufacture and construct our cutting-edge solar PV mounting structure for this application. We hope the members of the club enjoy the benefits of Solar PV and the effort of Caracal, Hooray Power, Solarise Africa and the forward-thinking management of The Royal, have poured into the project to make it a reality.”
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
The Solar/BESS Microgrid features cutting-edge technology:
452 x LONGi 555W mono-crystalline solar modules
Caracal Engineering cantilever structural solar carport approved by the City of Johannesburg
All meticulously engineered in a temperature-controlled environment with environmental sensors and fire controls.
Designed to achieve 50-60% energy independence from the city and diesel grid, the microgrid aims to reduce utility usage while providing cost-effective solar power and minimising diesel consumption during backup power requirements.
1. Why is this working group important?“The PV industry is growing and lacking skills”. To fill the gap and identify the skills that are needed in the PV industry, also drive the development of the training programmes and their quality assurances.)
2. Why should members join this working group? To make sure that the training guidelines we develop and the direction are and is in line with the needs of the industry.
3. What will the future of the working group look like? Develop road maps for solar PV training in different educational levels from schools, tvet colleges and universities. Also assure that the quality of the trainings which are offered and in place meet the standards and the demands of the industry.
4. What capacity (time, resources) is expected from members who want to join the working group? Make time to join and fully participate in the meetings.
1. Why is this working group important? Distributed Generation (which includes SSEG, EG, Wheeling Projects, BESS etc) in broad terms is the future solution for energy supply, not only in South Africa where load shedding exists, but also internationally. The reason is that on-site or localised generation (i.e. generation closer to load centres) from alternative and mostly RE resources are fast becoming cheaper than the traditional vertically integrated energy supply systems. Vertical systems also mostly rely on fossil-fuels which has to be transitioned away from in the interest of sustainability.
2. Why should members join this working group? Everyone has a duty to plough back into the industry within which he/she operates. This working group provides the opportunity to members from various backgrounds to become involved and contribute in fields wherein those individuals has expertise and could make a difference. It also creates the opportunity where participants in our industry get to know each other, thereby building your network to be able to share insights and gain insights. One proviso is however that this is a “working group”, not a sitting group, committee or a passenger group. If you don’t contribute and intend to just gain and not share then this group might not be for you.
3. What will the future of the working group look like? The working group would have diversified working streams whereby topical focus is obtained to a broad scope in industry interests to then provide feedback from such focused expertise to the larger working group for the benefit of the industry at large.
4. What capacity (time, resources) is expected from members who want to join the working group? A two-hour WG meeting every second month and a two-hour workstream engagement every alternate month. So two-hours per month in general unless there are occasions when members are called upon to engage externally in addition to just contributing to the current matters – such as industry forums, conferences, webinars, networking events etc.
1. Why is this working group important? To raise awareness among all stakeholders that buying locally manufactured products will ensure that the money spent by citizens stays in the country. It will also assist the country in realising its dream of growing the economy, safeguarding jobs, and creating more jobs for the unemployed.
2. Why should members join this working group? The benefit of this group work is that you can collaborate with experts who can learn from each other. Each group member will have something they can give the other team members. Local Manufacturing Members can get to understand the industry’s needs and requirements. End users will be able to understand what locally produced equipment is available in the market and share their requirements with the group.
3. What will the future of the working group look like? The expectation is that this working group will be able to engage with all industry stakeholders and offer solutions for all locally produced equipment and services at competitive rates.
4. What capacity (time, resources) is expected from members who want to join the working group? 1-2 Hours per month.
1. Why is this working group important? The Environmental Working Group is important as it keeps our members informed with current information regarding any new regulations applicable to the industry, regulatory changes or amendments, environmental best practices and compliance, trends and any other relevant topics.
2. Why should members join this working group? The working group is for participants that are passionate about making a difference and serving the sector for the best environmental results. The working group presents opportunities to learn and gain experience in areas outside of their own expertise and to share their knowledge with others. Participants and their specific expertise provide credibility to the work achieved in the working group.
3. What will the future of the working group look like? The working group will build on its knowledge base and expand into new areas that require focus for new matters at any specific time that the future will present in an ever-changing world.
4. What capacity (time, resources) is expected from members who want to join the working group? Members will need to be committed to serve at least 1.5 – 2.0 hours every quarter.
1. Why is this working group important? Grid Access is the single greatest challenge for the integration of renewable into the grid, not only in South Africa but Globally. This working group seeks to provide a platform for industry to support each other in all matters related to grid access, grid capacity, Eskom/industry discussions as well as keep up to date on the latest grid access rules be considered.
2. Why should members join this working group? Understanding the rules regarding grid access isn’t always easy, this working group is a great place to touch base with other industry colleagues to share knowledge, insight, tips and tricks as well as get access to the latest happening in the transmission grid access space. We also provide updates from the Energy Council and NECOM discussions with Eskom on the latest developing grid rules and proposals. We are also the creators and custodian of the National Annual Renewable Energy Grid Survey which is in the 3rd year of its existence. The national grid survey has become a key document to inform upcoming Eskom Transmission Planning studies such as the GCCA and TDP.
3. What will the future of the working group look like? We encourage broad participation by anyone in the industry with an interest in doing grid access applications. Future working groups will encourage grid managers from IPPs to assist with sharing knowledge from their own experience to benefit and give back in general.
4. What capacity (time, resources) is expected from members who want to join the working group? We will meet once every quarter. The working group will also call for volunteers for initiatives which may require additional donated time. The additional time will vary based on the initiative in question but is typically a few hours of service every month.
ABOUT THE MARKETPLACE
SAPVIA NOW offers you the opportunity to feature your business, business services or products on this website to expose your business and make it visible to a diverse audience.
We understand that businesses may have distinct objectives, such as driving traffic to their websites, promoting specific products or services or disseminating Newsletters. The Marketplace has been designed to cater to these varied necessities effectively.
Recognising that each business’ interest and needs are unique, the Marketplace offers various packages to meet your business needs.
SAPVIA members will enjoy discounted rates to this remarkable opportunity.
Click the NEXT button to see the different packages on offer.
PACKAGE OPTIONS
Package 1: SAPVIA Website High Rise x Size 120(w) & 600(h) x 1-month = R20 000
Package 2: SAPVIA Website The Tower x Size 300(w) & 600(h) x 1-month = R30 000
Package 3: SAPVIA and PV GreenCard Website High Rise x Size 120(w) & 600(h) x 1-month = R35 000
Package 4: SAPVIA and PV GreenCard Website The Tower x Size 300(w) & 600(h) x 1-month = R45 000
Monthly extensions at R10 000 per month
15% discount applicable to SAPVIA Members.
Should you wish to take up the offer please click the APPLY button to access the application form.
