NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY PREPARES TO LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING FISHWATER FLATS BIOGAS PROJECT
Published: December 05, 2024<< BACK TO NEWS
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NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY PREPARES TO LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING FISHWATER FLATS BIOGAS PROJECT
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Fish water Flats Biogas Renewable Energy Project. This pioneering initiative will be the first biogas plant constructed at a wastewater treatment works site in the region. Spearheaded by the NMBM Electricity and Energy Directorate, the project is a collaboration with key stakeholders from the Municipality’s Electricity & Energy, Infrastructure & Engineering, and Public Health directorates, Straits Group SA and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
The Fish water Flats Biogas Project seeks to transform the operation of the Fish water Flats Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) by harnessing waste material to produce clean energy. The integration of biogas technology will significantly reduce the amount of solids generated by the plant, with each cubic meter of biogas corresponding to the destruction of approximately two to three kilograms of solids. This process will enhance the plant’s operational efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable approach to wastewater management.
Acting Executive Director, Electricity and Energy, Mr. Biyela expressed his enthusiasm for the innovative project, stating, "The Municipality is extremely excited to be carrying out such an innovative project. Waste typically has a negative impact on the environment, but with this biogas plant, we are transforming that negative into a positive. This innovation will empower the Metro to more energy-efficient, reduce emissions, and provide significant economic benefits to the local community.”
The biogas plant will add 2.5 megawatts of electrical energy capacity to the Metro’s power grid, bolstering electricity supply and contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with global and local sustainable development goals and supports the Municipality’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
A key feature of the project is its seamless integration with the existing Fish water Flats WWTW infrastructure, enabling continuous service delivery. This innovative approach optimizes existing resources and underscores the tailored, forward-thinking nature of the initiative. The local development team has invested considerable time and expertise to create and implement these solutions, ensuring the project’s success.
The construction phase seeks to provide opportunities to local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) working alongside the main contractor over a 24-month period. This effort will provide a substantial boost to the local economy, creating over 50 temporary jobs during construction and around 30 long-term skilled positions. The project is estimated to be completed by December 2027, marking a milestone in Nelson Mandela Bay’s renewable energy journey and sustainable growth.
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