The Lansdowne Corner branch situated in Cape Town, South Africa, uses an innovative hybrid power installation, effectively making it a 100% off-the-grid outlet. The grid-tied renewable energy system harnesses solar and wind energy and converts this to standard mains electricity directly to the Nedbank branch.
The branch was transformed to run completely on renewable energy as part of Nedbank’s commitment to being a leading enabler of environmental sustainability in South Africa. The hybrid energy installation is so effective that, during some months, it actually generates more electrical power than it uses. Any excess production is allocated to the shopping centre lighting, which is compliant with current legislation in that no energy is ever exported to the municipal grid.
At this rate the set-up costs for the bank will be fully recouped in only 9 years, which is in line with expectations.
According to Ciko Thomas, Managing Executive of Consumer Banking for Nedbank Retail, the achievement of Africa’s first fully off-grid bank branch is the direct result of Nedbank’s commitment to applying innovative thinking where such technological advancements become catalysts towards a thriving green economy. In continuing to making banking more accessible to all in South Africa, this commitment also extends to delivering a choice of distinctive banking experiences and relevant products and services to meet the needs of clients at every stage of their lives.
“The off-grid hybrid installation offers proof of what can be achieved when organisations have a genuine vision for, and commitment to, contributing to a greener future for our country,” he explained, “and builds on the similar success we have achieved previously with the implementation of South Africa’s first partially wind-powered bank branch in Du Noon, also in the Western Cape, unveiled in 2010.”
According to James Carpy, the Technical Director of Kestrel Renewable Energy, which was contracted by Nedbank to undertake the installation, the hybrid grid-tied system is capable of supplying the branch’s full annual electricity demand of 70 000kWh, which can easily supply electricity for approximately six middle income households in SA. “This is a remarkable achievement,” he points out, “particularly since it ensures that the branch’s operations will now have little to no climate change impact, thanks to its vastly reduced carbon footprint.” According to Carpy, this innovative renewable energy solution by Nedbank will effectively help to lower South Africa’s total CO2-eqt emissions by approximately 71 tonnes per year.
“We believe that Nedbank Lansdowne Corner has set the standard for future ‘green’ banking branches in South Africa,” Thomas concludes, “particularly since it exemplifies the transformative potential that can be unlocked when an environmentally-friendly bank branch is accompanied by a firm commitment to ongoing community involvement and upliftment, while also ensuring more people have access to empowering banking solutions that can change lives and build better futures for all.”
Source: Green Africa Directory