South African Airports to Install Solar Power

February 23, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Key Figures & Findings: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has launched a solar power tender for three major airports: O.R. Tambo International, King Shaka International, and Cape Town International. The project includes designing and constructing solar PV plants at each location, with future plans for battery storage at O.R. Tambo. Contractors must also provide maintenance and training programs to ensure long-term sustainability.

Statistics & Insights: The O.R. Tambo project will feature a 5,000 kW solar PV plant, King Shaka’s installation will be 2,000 kW, and Cape Town’s system will be 2,500 kW. Each site will receive a five-year maintenance contract, and ACSA will hold briefing sessions before the March 17 submission deadline.

Future Implications: If successful, these projects could significantly reduce operational energy costs at South Africa’s largest airports while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The initiative may also lead to similar renewable energy projects at other regional airports.