This follows as the R370 million, 20 000m2 first-phase development of Riverstone Mall, the first formal retail offering in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg, is nearing completion.
Ivan Pretorius, founder and CEO of Alley Roads commented: “Up to now, commercial property owners installed either solar panels or a hybrid of solar and battery back-up to take their malls partially off-grid.
“Being a community shopping centre, Riverstone Mall is the ideal size to operate mostly independently from the national power grid. This not only ensures an uninterrupted shopping experience but importantly, shields our tenants from ongoing rate increases by the national utility provider.”
According to the latest Operating Cost Report by the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), property taxes and electricity costs make up more than 50% of the total operating costs of commercial property owners.
Blue Energy Africa will pioneer the installation of a ~5.0MWh battery, one of the largest batteries of its kind in the country. The battery will be fed by a 2.3MWp photovoltaic (PV) panel system, ensuring that the mall can operate during inclement weather conditions and in the evenings.
Says Jan van Ravenswaay, chief technology officer of Blue Energy Africa, “We are excited to launch our partnership with Alley Roads Group through the Riverstone Mall hybrid energy project, marking a significant milestone in their clean energy journey. This project will not only provide sustainable energy at affordable rates but also ensure energy security when needed. By integrating best-in-class technology, the solution is designed to reduce carbon emissions, aligning with our commitment to environmental stewardship. It will set new standards in technical integration and optimization, reinforcing our shared goal of advancing sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
As an IFC Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Champion, Alley Roads was cognisant of the significant impact that going nearly off-grid would have on Riverstone Mall’s carbon footprint. The solar and battery installation will save over 4 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per annum, equating to a total carbon emission savings of more than 80 000 tonnes over 20 years, compared to conventional power derived from the grid.
This is aligned to Alley Roads’ initiative to develop affordable housing estates according to IFC EDGE Advanced certification, resulting in zero-carbon ready housing units that result in 40% or more on-site energy savings compared to traditional building methods.
The Group recently announced that in the past 12 months, it has developed over 1 000 fully off-grid apartments over seven developments, creating a stable power source for tenants at a predictable cost, as well as ensuring stable annuity income for its funders.
Riverstone Mall is set to open for trade in March 2025.
