As part of Cape Town’s groundbreaking Urban Energy Poverty Programme, a focus on alternative energy solutions is gaining momentum in informal settlements where grid-connected electrification faces challenges. While almost 100% of older existing informal settlements in City-supplied areas have been electrified, newer settlements on challenging terrains like wetlands and nature reserves remain off-grid. The program aims to enhance living conditions, reduce fire risks, and explore sustainable energy sources.
Collaborations with iShack, Zonke Energy, and the University of Exeter exemplify the City’s commitment to real change in informal settlements. These alternative pilot projects focus on indoor solar lights, renewable energy public lighting, alternative energy for cellphone charging, and innovative solutions like wonder bags and cooking insulators. The City’s Energy Strategy, launching this week, underscores the emphasis on alleviating energy poverty and enhancing safety.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, the City has conducted community surveys, gaining insights into community perceptions of alternative energy. These surveys will inform the ongoing Urban Energy Poverty Programme, focusing on the benefits and opportunities to scale up alternative energy solutions.
Community Partner Perspectives:
- Damian Conway from Sustainability Innovation Lab (“iShack”) emphasizes the potential for enterprise development and job creation in alternative energy services, particularly in the informal economy.
- Alex Densmore from Zonke Energy applauds the city’s efforts to explore free basic energy services for off-grid households, addressing the affordability gap.
- Federico Caprotti from the University of Exeter highlights the impact of their partnership in providing alternative public lighting for un-electrifiable informal settlements, contributing to residents’ well-being.
The City is actively seeking partnerships and donors for various projects, including piloting alternative public lighting options, providing solar indoor lights and cell phone charging devices, introducing smart cookers and wonder bags, and conducting education and awareness campaigns on various energy sources, especially solar energy.
As Cape Town advances its commitment to sustainable, affordable, and accessible energy, these partnerships and initiatives are paving the way for a transformative energy landscape in informal settlements.
