Solar energy could boost water supply

Renewable electricity research conducted on KZN's North Coast could bolster the local economy

- Jyothi Laldas

In a time when load-shedding is at its highest and badly affects water provision, which has a knock-on effect on various industries, especially agriculture and food production, a new study into using solar energy to augment power provision for a water treatment plant in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) could light the way forward for many in South Africa.

The feasibility study into improving electricity efficiency and installing renewable energy at the Sundumbili water treatment works in the iLembe District Municipality, northern KZN, was conducted through the Vuthela iLembe LED Support Programme.

The programme is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and implemented in partnership with the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the iLembe District Municipality and the local municipalities of KwaDukuza and Mandeni. It aims to improve the economic future of iLembe residents through sustainable economic growth of the local economy.