The City of Ekurhuleni says it is beginning to make substantial inroads into the process to establish its R10.5b Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant, a first of its kind in the country.

The city wants to generate electricity through alternative technologies, and this is in turn expected to reduce the already steep costs of electricity, create more job opportunities for locals and shield residents from Eskom’s load-shedding and load reductions.

The independent power producers (IPPs) are expected to with the most advanced, cost-effective and efficient waste-to-energy plant, generate around 1500 megawatts through alternative technologies.
Currently, the city is rolling out public participation sessions for members of the public to provide their input and comment on the appointment of the IPPs, who will be tasked to do the job for a period of 20 years.

Rooikraal Landfill site, situated in Dawn Park, Boksburg, has been identified as one of the facilities that will be used by the IPPs to house the waste-to-energy generating plant. The facility disposes of 800 tons of waste per day, which can be converted into energy, thus producing 20 megawatts per day.

The project is expected to create at least 400 job opportunities and skills development for the locals.
The IPPs will be converting general waste collected from households into energy, and will sell it to the city at a lower price. The city will also partially generate its energy through the IPPs, making electricity tariffs affordable for the end user.

The next phase of the project will entail finalising the capital funding; concluding the 20-year land lease agreement; the appointment of IPPs; conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies as well as feasibility studies in terms of the types of waste being disposed and waste logistics at the facility; and then finally conduct electricity grid integration studies.
Other similar projects are planned for municipal landfill sites such as Simmer and Jack and Weltervreden landfill sites shortly.

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