• Transnet National Ports Authority has started the process of procuring renewable energy at its eight ports.
• The authority on Monday issued a request for information for private sector players to submit renewable energy project proposals.
• Transnet previously said that it plans to issue a request for proposal in September 2022.

Transnet National Ports Authority has started the process of procuring renewable energy power at its eight ports.

The company on Monday issued a Request for Information notice, calling for private sector players to submit project proposals for a renewable energy programme.

“TNPA recently carried out an internal audit which indicated a need to stabilise its energy supply, costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at its eight commercial seaports…” it said in a statement. The eight ports include Port Elizabeth, Ngqura, East London, Mossel Bay, Saldanha, Cape Town, Durban, and Richards Bay. This is part of its plans to execute a range of strategic special projects across its port system.

Project manager Jarryd Introna said the renewable energy programme is a step towards limiting the ports authority’s contribution to global warming.

The Request for Information process will allow the company to better understand the renewable energy market. Apart from wind and solar technologies, Transnet is open to using other sources of power such as ocean energy, biomass and geothermal.

Transnet seeks to procure between 50 MW and 80 MW of renewable energy across its seaports.

“As we respond to our ports authority role of delivering reliable electrical energy for our port operators and tenants, we are committed to doing so in a manner that is financially prudent, does not harm the environment and has a developmental impact,” Introna said.

Responses to the Request for Information must be submitted by 6 September 2022, at noon. Documents can be accessed at National Treasury’s e-tender publication portal. This process will be followed by the issuing of Request for Proposals – if enough information is gathered.

Transnet also previously said it will invest R9.1 billion in infrastructure development over a seven-year period for its central region ports – East London Port Elizabeth and Ngqura. It also plans to invest R16.1 billion over seven years in its western region ports – Mossel Bay, Saldanha and Cape Town.