Johannesburg Expands Solar Traffic Lights

Key Figures & Findings: Johannesburg is taking a bold step toward solar-powered resilience with the launch of a significant solar streetlight initiative. Spearheaded by the CEF group of companies, this move is part of a nationwide strategy to stabilize traffic flow during frequent power outages. CEF CEO Mputumi Damane emphasized the urgency, revealing that components, usually shipped, were flown in to meet project deadlines. CEF has identified over 2,000 intersections in greater Johannesburg for the rollout, with plans to extend the initiative to other metropolitan areas, including eThekwini, Tshwane, and Nelspruit.

Statistics & Insights: With an investment of R40 million (approximately $2.1 million), the project will install thousands of solar-powered traffic lights, reducing reliance on the national grid and providing power continuity during outages. Around 400 metro police officers will be deployed to manage traffic at major intersections.

Future Implications: If successful, the solar streetlights could pave the way for broader adoption of off-grid solutions in South Africa’s urban centers, with future scalability beyond major cities expected by 2026. However, challenges in local component sourcing may affect rollout timelines.

Source: IOL