- The University of Cape Town (UCT) has launched the Faculty of Health Sciences Backup Power Project at its Health Sciences Campus in Observatory, in partnership with Solarise Africa, ACES Africa and WEG.
- The initiative aims to secure uninterrupted electricity for vital healthcare, research and teaching facilities while laying the groundwork for future integration of renewable energy sources.
Phase 1 of the project introduces a 2.4 MVA Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a 4 MWh storage capacity, supported by 1.5 MVA of WEG generators. A centralised PPC/SCADA-based control system coordinates operations between the battery, generators and planned solar assets to ensure seamless power management. The second phase, currently in design, will add a 171.6 kWp solar PV array, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 230 tonnes annually once operational.
Solarise Africa Co-Founder and COO Sakkie van Wijk said the initiative reflects the company’s mission to provide reliable energy infrastructure. “Reliable energy is not a luxury, it’s critical infrastructure. With this partnership, we are safeguarding healthcare, research and education today, while building towards a sustainable energy future,” he said.
UCT Acting Director of Programme Management Avi Dhevdath said the project supports the university’s strategic goals. “Ensuring uninterrupted operations and energy resilience across our medical campus is a strategic priority. This initiative strengthens the campus’s ability to sustain critical research and teaching activities, guaranteeing operational continuity and supporting UCT’s pursuit of resilience, excellence, and world-class infrastructure,” he said.
The partnership demonstrates a resilience-first approach with built-in flexibility for future renewable energy expansion, reflecting a shared vision of energy stability, institutional sustainability and climate-conscious infrastructure.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
