#google #renewables #solarenergy Google has invested in its first African solar project. Energy and sustainability director Rick Needham said that the search-engine business had invested $12 million in the 96MW Jasper Power Project in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, near the town of Kimberly.
The project is being developed by a consortium of US and African developers, including Solar Reserve, the Kensani Group and Intikon Energy. It has also won backing from Rand Merchant Bank, the Public Investment Corporation, Development Bank of South Africa and the Peace Humansrus Trust.
Once complete, the Jasper project is expected to be one of the largest solar installations In Africa, providing energy for more than 30,000 South African homes and helping the government to achieve its target of generating 18GW from renewable energy sources by 2030.
Mr Needham said in a recent ‘blog’ entry: “Jasper and the other projects being developed through South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme have the potential to transform the South African energy grid. Given South Africa’s position as an economic power-house in Africa, a ‘greener’ grid in that country can set an example for the whole continent.”