TNPA calls for private sector renewable energy proposals for SA ports

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), through a Request for Information (RFI) process, is calling on the private sector to submit project proposals for its new Renewable Energy Programme to supply green power at eight of SA’s main commercial seaports.

The programme intends to procure between 50MW and 80MW of renewable energy.

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TNPA noted that it carried out an internal audit which indicated a need to secure its energy supply, costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at eight of its seaports including the ports of Cape Town, Durban, East London, Mossel Bay, Ngqura, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay.

“The introduction of renewable energy at our ports is significantly underpinned by our corporate environmental responsibility and is a good step towards limiting contributions towards global warming,” says TNPA project manager, Jarryd Introna.

“As we respond to the ports authority role of delivering reliable electrical energy for our port operations and tenants, we are committed to doing so in a manner that is financially prudent, does not harm the environment and has a developmental impact,” he adds.

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TNPA anticipates that the responses to the RFI will aid its understanding of the renewable energy market, specifically for wind and solar, while considering the use of other sources including hybrids of hydroelectric power, ocean energy, biomass and geothermal energy.

The ports authority says it may release a Request for Proposals (RFP) provided that sufficient information is gathered from RFI submissions.

Nondumiso Lehutso is a Moneyweb intern.