Site Visit 2:

Energy within cities plays a central role in both socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. Energy is crucial for the provision of basic services as well as meeting basic human needs such as health and education, food and job provision, sanitation and water provision. In order to continue providing these services in South Africa, energy levels must, of necessity, increase. South Africa’s energy production is historically based on cheap and abundant fossil fuels, mainly coal. Fossil fuel based energy production is the key factor in driving human induced climate change, the most severe threat our world faces. The rate of climate change threatens biodiversity, agricultural systems, forests and marine environments. Yet human settlements and the ecosystems on which we rely are inextricably linked. Climate change accordingly makes social/cultural systems intensely vulnerable.

 

It is thus essential that cities recognize the need for more sustainable energy planning and production. Energy should, in sum, promote economic development, provide for social well-being and reduce environmental impacts. A more sustainable energy approach should reduce dependence on fossil fuel based production, in particular coal; should promote cleaner fuels; increase the renewable energy supply mix; promote energy efficiency; support resource efficient economic development; ensure available public transport options to encourage modal shifts away from private vehicles; and ensure access to safe and affordable energy for all South African’s. Energy security, diversity and sustainability are crucial. The City of Cape Town is committed and devoted to these defining principles of energy sustainability.

 

Through its Energy and Climate Change Action Plan, the City has planned and/or implemented many energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The workshop will be an opportunity to showcase but a few of them. The workshop will begin with an introductory talk at the CTICC. It will then showcase a ceiling retrofit and solar water heater installation project in Mamre as part of a much larger roll out of SWH’s and ceilings. It will then visit the Darling wind farm. The tour will also provide insight into the newly developed Integrated Bus Rapid Transit system in Cape Town, as urban mobility is also a vital part of a sustainable city.