The renewable energy sector is doing well at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), said the Department of Trade and Industry.

The development zone’s Ayanda Ramncwana said ELIDZ has secured private sector investment worth R4 billion, with 54% being in the renewable energy sector.

“This is an indication of the growing sector diversity in the zone. ELIDZ is progressing well in this sector, with two renewable energy investors in solar PV manufacturing as well as inverter manufacturing already secured.

“The ELIDZ Science and Technology Park’s focus on supporting growth through the incubation of new technologies also remains critical to the development of this sector,” said Ramncwana.

She said the renewable energy sector is competing with the automotive sector and that there has been remarkable growth in renewable energy investments over the last five years.

She was speaking during a media tour of the ELIDZ that was organised by the Department of Trade and Industry.

ELIDZ has R2.5 billion worth of renewable energy investment in the advanced stages, with the potential to create 900 jobs.

“ELIDZ… is targeting investors in renewable energy component manufacturing and assembly, as well as the production and transfer of green power,” said Ramncwana.

ELIDZ projects include municipal waste-to-energy, landfill gas, municipal sewerage works bio-digester and biomass gasification plant.

“Through its Science and Technology Park, ELIDZ has partnered with the Master Artisans Academy of South Africa to establish a state-of-the art Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence. The centre offers various internationally accredited training programmes to support the growing renewable energy sector,” said Ramncwana.