Solareff is proud to announce that the Hartenbos Waste Water Treatment Works Solar PV Plant and Microgrid project has received a prestigious industry award, recognising its innovation, sustainability, and contribution to municipal energy resilience. Senior Manager (Electrical Services), Morné Olivier received the Top Performing Project Award on behalf of the Mossel Bay Municipality at the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU) awards ceremony on 7 October 2025.
This award celebrates the successful collaboration between Solareff, Element Consulting Engineers, and the Mossel Bay Municipality in delivering an innovative renewable energy solution that enhances energy security for critical infrastructure while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
A Benchmark in Municipal Energy Innovation
The Hartenbos solution is a hybrid grid-tied microgrid designed to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to the wastewater treatment facility. Under normal conditions, it operates in parallel with the Eskom grid. In the event of grid interruptions, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) takes over, supported by solar generation during daylight hours. Standby diesel generators provide additional backup if needed.
System Specifications
- Site Size: 3.5 hectares of municipal land
- Solar Generation Capacity: 2.5 MVA from 4,400 PV panels
- Inverter Station Capacity: 3.2 MVA
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): 4,512kWh
- New Substation: Includes 11kV switchgear and advanced control systems
This recognition adds momentum to what promises to be a landmark moment for sustainable development in the Western Cape. Solareff extends its gratitude to all partners involved and remains committed to delivering impactful energy solutions that support South Africa’s clean energy transition.
