Power project worth almost R10bn to create jobs across KZN towns

Catalytic investment supported by KZN Economic Development

- THAMI MAGUBANE

A MULTIBILLION-rand energy project that is underway in Colenso, in northern KwaZulu-Natal is expected to create thousands of jobs in the town as well as in Estcourt and Ladysmith.

The Colenso Power Project is valued at close to R10 billion and has been in the planning phases for some time, undergoing various legal compliance processes. The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) stated that this project is critical in ensuring that the province's economy is not concentrated in major cities.

Edtea said the Colenso Power Project, while privately funded, is a catalytic investment supported by the Department through packaging and facilitation. Valued at R9.78 billion, it features a hybrid base-load power facility utilising clean fuels, hydrogen, and battery storage, marking a national-scale anchor for the uThukela District.

Documents related to the project indicate that it will significantly increase employment opportunities for local communities. It is anticipated to generate 10,000 jobs for the Alfred Duma Local Municipality and the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, with 15% of these jobs allocated to the Colenso community.