SANParks and Germany complete feasibility study for Kruger National Park renewable energy

Añadido: 2026-06-07

[00:00:00]Kruger National Park could soon be powered largely by renewable energy. The South African National Parks and Germany have marked the completion of a feasibility study exploring how up to 80% of the park's electricity needs could be met through renewable energy solutions. The project forms part of a broader effort to strengthen energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and also support conservation. Bokamoso Pele has this report.

[00:00:26]>> South Africa's flagship conservation area may be on the verge of major energy transformation. A feasibility study commissioned through a partnership between SANParks, Germany, and development partners has identified renewable energy options that could help Kruger National Park meet up to 80% of its electricity needs.

[00:00:45]>> It's for me really unique pleasure to to be here today for the handover of this important feasibility study to move forward renewable energies um in the Kruger National Park.

[00:01:04]I mean, it's part of a wider effort actually. So, actually Germany and South Africa have been working together on this road towards the just energy transition since 2021.

[00:01:18]>> The study assessed energy consumption across camps, ranger stations, and other facilities throughout the park.

[00:01:24]Consultants then examined which technologies would be best to support SANParks renewable energy ambitions.

[00:01:31]>> The feasibility study assessed how much electricity and diesel's currently being used by Kruger to power its camps and ranger stations and all its connection points. So, that was what we focused on, and then we focused on what technologies can be used to meet a lofty ambition of 80% renewables.

[00:01:51]The Kruger being in a sunny environment in South Africa with uh being a very well trodden path, the chosen solution was uh solar PV coupled with battery energy storage to meet the targets.

[00:02:07]>> With abundant sunshine and growing pressure to improve energy resilience, officials say solar power and battery storage could significantly reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. The handover marks the completion of phase one of this project.

[00:02:21]Phase two will focus on appointing independent power producers to implement the renewable energy solutions.

[00:02:27]>> What we call phase two, which is the actual appointment of independent power producers that are then going to introduce this renewable energy into into the park, right? Um but to do that because, you know, we are PFMA-bound as a government institution, we're searching for methodologies that that that will provide us with the exact fit of service provider to the aspiration.

[00:03:00]Um so this process will still go through a very transparent procurement process and we will continue working with Fijour and KfW as well in terms of them guiding us to find the exact fit.

[00:03:13]>> Germany says the project reflects the growing partnership between the two countries in pursuing a just energy transition.

[00:03:20]>> All of us are committed, South Africa, Germany, uh to reduce our carbon footprints, to fulfill our climate goals, um uh to move towards renewable energies.

[00:03:32]>> Officials say the project could strengthen Kruger's position as a leading eco-tourism destination while helping South Africa advance its climate and energy goals. I'm Bathandile SABC News, Pretoria.

[00:04:01]>> Mhm.