The Eastgate Shopping Centre is on track to claim the title of having the largest registered rooftop solar installation in Africa, with the project’s completion slated for the end of this year. This grand project involves the fitting of over 13,000 solar panels, which will span an impressive area of roughly 28,100 square meters.
Upon completion, the solar installation is expected to produce 6 megawatts of power, substantially cutting down the shopping centre’s dependence on traditional power grids. This initiative is a strategic response to the persistent load-shedding issues plaguing South Africa, and it aligns with the sustainability goals of Eastgate’s managing company, Liberty Two Degrees, which is striving to reach net-zero carbon emissions.
Melinda Isaacs, the Developments executive at Liberty Two Degrees, expressed pride in the project, saying, “This is a significant milestone for Eastgate and reflects our strong commitment to environmental stewardship.”
She further emphasized the benefits of the solar installation, noting, “By diminishing our carbon footprint and maintaining continuous operations amidst load shedding, we are fostering a more sustainable and dependable future for our patrons, retailers, and the broader community.”
The solar installation is anticipated to yield considerable energy cost savings and contribute to environmental conservation. Eastgate Shopping Centre continues to prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted shopping experience for its clientele, even in the face of energy challenges.
