V&A Waterfront to use 70% renewable energy by 2026

The grass is greener at V&A Waterfront

Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is surging ahead on its mission to be green and is set to meet 70% of its power needs with energy from solar and wind farms operated by independent electricity producers.

According to Cape Town Etc, V&A Waterfront will be able to do this due to a recent power purchase agreement (PPA) which was signed with Etana Energy for 43 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy every year.

This 10-year PPA will be a key landmark in the V&A Waterfront’s sustainability plans, which includes a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2035.

Reducing the carbon footprint

André Theys, Executive Manager of Operations at the V&A Waterfront, said that 90% of the Waterfront’s emissions come from energy purchases, so the PPA with Etana would make a major contribution towards reducing their carbon footprint.

“The V&A’s sustainability strategy is based on a shared value ecosystem in which everyone at the Waterfront – tenants, residents, staff and visitors – works together to make our precinct the best it can be” Theys said in a statement.

“But we’re also keen to share the value we offer with the whole of Cape Town and even South Africa. By being proactively innovative, we can showcase what’s possible and provide proof points that make it easier for others to follow in our footsteps. The PPA with Etana Energy is a great example of this approach.” Theys added.

While Evan Rice, CEO of Etana Energy, also added that they were delighted to be supporting the V&A Waterfront’s sustainability strategy and reducing the carbon intensity of South Africa’s energy system.

“Business has a clear role to play in solving our biggest challenges, and this is a highly replicable, scalable example of how to achieve this while creating value for all involved.” Rice said.