Mayor: Cape Town to source 20% of energy from renewables by 2020

cape town mayor warrenski flickr

Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille today took to Twitter in an hour-long update regarding key issues affecting the City of Cape Town, including the ongoing water crisis, the superblocking in Imizamo Yethu, and climate change.

The speech itself was delivered at a city council meeting, but livetweeted from her account before the full speech was published Thursday afternoon.

Cape Town’s water crisis continues

“Let me start with the water crisis and yes despite the recent rains, we are still in a drought,” she began, shedding light on the City’s plans to combat the low dam levels and drier-than-normal winter.

She also lambasted Cape Town residents who are still “not saving water”.

At present, Cape Town is using around 640-million litres per day, 140-million more than the City’s target.

“I am pleading with people to please limit their water use 87 litres a day in line with level 4b restrictions,” she adds.

As for plans to combat the drought, and climate change at large, de Lille also announced that “over 100 submissions” were received by the community for proposed solutions to the water crisis.

This was in response to a call made by the City earlier this year for those with possible solutions to the crisis to step forward.

“The RFI solicited interest from entities in forming possible partnerships with us to supply, install, and operate temporary plants,” she adds.

Amidst the water crisis, de Lille also announced the City of Cape Town’s green energy goals.

City of Cape Town commits to green energy

“Our energy goals include sourcing at least 20% of our energy needs from renewables by 2020,” she tweets, citing the “only obstacle” as the national government.

De Lille failed to specify which renewable energy methods will be employed, but she did cite “independent power producers” as key players.

She also announced that the City will take the above matter — citing Eskom and national electricity regulator NERSA — to the High Court.

De Lille also aimed a comment at US President Donald Trump, confirming that the City of Cape Town “strives to ensure that all City-led projects have incorporated climate change considerations”.

“The City stands in solidarity with American cities committed to addressing climate change despite President Trump’s decision to leave COP 21,” she adds.

“We will ensure that Cape Town’s natural ecosystems are protected, managed and made resilient,” she concludes.

Feature image: warrenski via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0, resized)

Andy Walker, former editor
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