August 2025: 8MW Solar Battery Rolls Out in Atlantis – Could It Prevent SA’s Next Water Blackout?

8MW Solar Battery – In a bold and strategic move to curb growing fears of a regional water blackout, the Western Cape Government has unveiled an 8MW solar-powered battery system in Atlantis this August 2025. This is more than just another renewable energy project—it could be the lifeline needed to stabilize the region’s power and water supply as the threat of Stage 6 load-shedding and dry reservoirs looms over Cape Town and surrounding municipalities. Atlantis, often overshadowed in infrastructure rollouts, has now become the center of South Africa’s latest public-private green energy collaboration. The new solar battery system, funded partly by the Department of Water and Sanitation, and executed by GreenGrid Energy in partnership with the City of Cape Town, aims to power essential water infrastructure—particularly pump stations and purification systems—that previously buckled under grid outages. Over the last decade, Atlantis has battled unreliable electricity, putting critical infrastructure like the Witzands Aquifer and associated borehole pumps at high risk. During peak heat and drought, even short-term electricity failures have disrupted water distribution, triggering emergency water truck deployments. This solar battery bank, with a storage capacity that can sustain operations for over 6 hours, could prevent such scenarios from recurring. More than just a battery, this marks a shift in how local governments respond to compounded threats: climate change, water scarcity, and energy insecurity. Residents, engineers, and policymakers alike are watching closely to see whether this model could be replicated in other water-stressed parts of South Africa.

What Is the 8MW Solar Battery Project?

This state-of-the-art installation was created to supply backup power for water management systems, ensuring continuous flow during load-shedding events.

• 8MW solar photovoltaic system paired with high-capacity lithium-ion battery
• Designed to power key municipal water facilities including pump stations
• Built to offer minimum 6 hours of continuous power
• Located near the Witzands Aquifer infrastructure
• Jointly funded by:
  • Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)
  • City of Cape Town
  • Private partner GreenGrid Energy
• Timeline: Constructed in 14 months; launched August 2025
• Total cost: R248 million

Why Atlantis Was Chosen for the 8MW Solar Battery Rollout

Atlantis was identified as a high-risk area during multiple rounds of Stage 4–6 load-shedding between 2022–2024.

• Situated near Cape Town’s largest underground water supply: Witzands Aquifer
• Hosts essential pumping and purification facilities
• Regular disruptions impacted 140,000+ residents in past water crises
• Limited local generation capacity and high vulnerability to grid failures

How the System Works During Load-Shedding

When Eskom cuts power, this solar-powered battery instantly switches to supply uninterrupted energy to water operations.

• Step 1: Battery remains charged during the day using solar panels
• Step 2: During load-shedding, it automatically powers:
  • Borehole pumps
  • Treatment plants
  • Pressure regulation systems
• Step 3: Power is rationed to ensure high-demand equipment gets priority
• Step 4: System resets daily with backup charge protocols and performance testing

Major Benefits to Atlantis and Cape Town

The battery doesn’t just provide emergency backup—it reduces municipal costs and adds long-term sustainability.

Benefit Area	Before Battery Project	After Battery Project
Water Delivery	Interrupted during load-shedding	Uninterrupted with solar battery supply
Energy Costs	High grid dependency; costly diesel backup	Reduced costs via solar generation
Service Coverage	Emergency truck rollouts during blackouts	Continuous water access for 140,000+ residents
Grid Dependency	100% Eskom	Now 70% solar-based for water facilities
CO2 Emissions	Diesel generators released high emissions	Clean solar alternative
Maintenance Cycle	Every 6 months with grid failure damages	Extended to annual with improved reliability
Public Trust	Low after repeated failures	Recovery underway with stable water supply

Potential for Replication Across SA

The Atlantis project is being viewed as a pilot for similar rollouts in other critical areas prone to water scarcity.

• Makhanda, Gqeberha, and Kimberley listed as next possible beneficiaries
• National Treasury and DBSA evaluating co-financing for 10 more sites
• DWS launching technical evaluation report by October 2025
• Possibility to use surplus daytime energy for community centers and clinics

How You Can Prepare Your Household

Even with this solar battery in place, households should continue saving water and preparing for disruptions.

• Install low-flow taps and showers
• Store at least 5–10 litres per person for emergencies
• Download City of Cape Town’s water tracker app
• Report leaks immediately via municipal WhatsApp channels
• Monitor load-shedding schedules to anticipate possible issues
• Join local water-saving community groups or WhatsApp alerts

What Experts Are Saying About the Impact

Utility engineers and energy experts are cautiously optimistic about the long-term impact of the Atlantis solar battery.

• “This is a model of hybrid resilience—solar + storage + community focus,” says Prof. Themba Molefe of Stellenbosch University.
• Municipal engineers cite a 45% reduction in emergency service disruptions since initial testing began.
• Environmental advocates hope this model replaces diesel generators permanently.

Risks and Limitations to Watch For

While the rollout is promising, there are certain limitations that could affect the battery’s overall reliability.

• Battery lifespan is estimated at 9–12 years before full replacement needed
• Limited output if multiple pump stations fail simultaneously
• Theft and vandalism are ongoing risks in isolated infrastructure zones
• Funding constraints may delay rollout in other towns
• Cloudy days can limit recharging if no grid-top-up is installed

Risk Factor	Current Mitigation Plan
Battery Degradation	Annual performance testing; insurance
Theft/Vandalism	24/7 CCTV, armed response agreement
Energy Shortfalls	Redundant power stored for 2 days
Maintenance Gaps	Outsourced SLA to GreenGrid
Budget Delays for Expansion	DBSA feasibility funding pipeline
Community Pushback	Open town halls and education drives

Departments Involved and Contact Details

This project was a multi-agency collaboration. Residents or municipalities seeking information or replication models can contact:

Department/Entity	Contact Person	Phone	Email
Department of Water & Sanitation	Ms. Thandiwe Mokoena	012 336 7500	[email protected]
City of Cape Town – Water Unit	Mr. Jacques Duvenage	021 400 1111	[email protected]
GreenGrid Energy (Installer)	Eng. Lionel Koekemoer	087 555 0332	[email protected]
Department of Public Works	Ms. Refilwe Madikizela	012 406 1000	[email protected]

FAQs of 8MW Solar Battery

Q1: Who will benefit from the Atlantis solar battery system?
Residents of Atlantis, local businesses, and all critical water infrastructure that services over 140,000 people in the region.

Q2: Will this solar battery stop all load-shedding problems?
No. It is designed to protect water operations, not residential electricity supply.

Q3: How much did the Atlantis project cost?
Approximately R248 million, co-funded by government departments and GreenGrid Energy.

Q4: What happens on cloudy days or during multiple outages?
The battery is sized to support 6 hours of continuous operations. Additional days require strategic rationing or backup diesel.

Q5: Can this model be copied in rural areas?
Yes. Smaller-scale versions are being planned for rural municipalities by 2026 under the DWS Clean Energy Plan.

While the Atlantis battery system won’t stop load-shedding altogether, it may just be the turning point in how South Africa safeguards its most critical utility: water. As power outages grow more frequent and climate pressure mounts, blending green energy with strategic infrastructure may be the country’s best path forward.