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Energy Investment Yields Positive Results
Ener-G-Africa’s R135 million investment in the energy sector announced during the South African Investment Conference in April, is already demonstrating its transformative potential and its commitment to community empowerment. According to CEO Andre Moolman, the company has leveraged this investment to launch an energy-efficient cook stove manufacturing line in Paarl and to expand its existing solar panel production in Cape Town from 15MW to a remarkable 500MW capacity as reported by SA News.
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This expansion positions the 500MW facility as Africa’s largest solar panel assembly plant, offering job opportunities and advanced manufacturing value addition. Ener-G-Africa’s efforts extend to reducing the impact of load shedding through domestic sales and exporting to other African nations.
Ener-G-Africa pledged R135 million at the South Africa Investment Conference to produce small solar PV panels and solar cooking appliances. Moolman stated that the company’s innovative manufacturing includes three advanced biomass stoves: the Mafecs, the Baldwin, and the Fab Stove, all meticulously crafted from stainless steel. These stoves aim to reduce fuel consumption, minimize harmful emissions, and improve cooking efficiency.
The manufacturing of energy-efficient cookstoves has already commenced, and the solar plant expansion is expected to conclude in the third or fourth quarter of 2024. Local communities have successfully tested the cookstoves, with incentives available to households interested in purchasing them through a carbon-financed cookstove program.
One of the most significant impacts of their manufacturing efforts is the creation of employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled individuals within local communities. Adopting Ener-G-Africa’s stoves in rural areas contributes to a significant reduction in deforestation, as they consume 65% less wood or biomass pellets.
Sales of these products are poised to stimulate the local economy through shops, agents, and employees who benefit from commission-based sales incentives. Additionally, Ener-G-Africa’s commitment to sustainability and local empowerment is evident in its efforts to reduce reliance on imported goods. The company has supplied rocket stoves to over four million households across 12 sub-Saharan African countries. It boasts an all-female workforce in its small solar panel production facility in the region, serving as an inspiring example for the industry.
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Photo: Facebook / @ Ener-G-Africa
