Nov 30 2010
Matla Solar Water Heating (SWH), an R40 million manufacturing facility, has been launched in East London. This facility is one of the premier renewable energy sector investments in the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) and is a milestone for the Eastern Cape Province. The project is financed partially by Malta Thermal Holdings with equity of 53 %, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) with 15% equity and an investment Consortium with Taiwanese roots holding an equity share of 32%.
The Funland Consortium consists of. Tz-Jeng Energy Technology, Funland Industrial, and Ming Yang Solar Energy, representing a pioneering high pressure solar water heating producer in the Taiwan region, with an experience of 25 years in the field of design, manufacture and installation of solar water heating systems. The company would also manufacture Solar Water Heaters for the South African market in response to the government’s request for alternative energy solutions for reducing electricity consumption in the country.
According to Andy Bin Chi Lu, Matla SWH’s General Manager, market research has revealed that there were only small scale manufacturers in South Africa and that their company would be able to manufacture on a large scale, lowering costs for the consumers. The company’s vision was to facilitate industry diversification in Eastern Cape region by using new technology and methods. Lu also revealed that in the first year the plan was to focus on providing commercial and industrial systems to bulk usage markets and medium to high density residences. They also wanted to venture into the local SWH market by registering with the ESKOM DSM rebate program. Their aim was to hit on industrial users in student residences, mining sector changing rooms, hospitals and apartments. Lu further adds that the facility would create jobs for 80-110 people during the next year. They would also provide lease options to suit their clients’ varied cash flow needs.
According to ELIDZ’s Executive Manager, Tembala Zweni, this initiative was a part of the strategy for the zone’s renewable sector development. Their aim was to accomplish a high class industrial park without involving exorbitant costs and launching Matla Solar would be a crucial step in achieving a green IDZ.