Nandu Bhula, CEO of Redstone & Country Manager at ACWA Power
Nandu Bhula emphasizes the innovative technology behind ACWA Power’s Redstone project, which uses 1,000,000m² of mirrors to create molten salt for steam turbines. Beyond the technology, Nandu is dedicated to leaving a legacy by training local youth, addressing South Africa’s youth unemployment, and empowering communities to operate the plant.
Jackie Bezuidenhout, Principal of Danielskuil High School
Danielskuil High School offers mechanical and electrical technology courses that require expensive equipment for practicals. However, frequent burglaries made it difficult to display and use the equipment. ACWA Power’s sponsorship for burglar bars was a huge relief, allowing students to access and benefit from these vital resources.
Nelisa Sukwana, Logistics and Warehouse Manager at BrightSource Energy for ACWA Power
Nelisa Sukwana oversees the production of 240,000 mirrors for the Redstone project, all assembled by local hands. She finds joy in transferring her knowledge to others, encouraging them to seize opportunities and run with them, knowing they hold unique and valuable expertise.
Priscilla Portello, Junior Control Room Operator at ACWA Redstone
Priscilla Portello hails from Groenwater Station, where high unemployment rates and limited education prevail. The Redstone Program provided her with essential skills, offering her a chance to excel. Her training in Dubai marked her first flight and international trip, igniting her belief that the sky’s the limit for her potential.
Xoliswa Moselelane, Electrical Apprentice at ACWA Bokpoort
Xoliswa Moselelane finds the apprenticeship challenging yet rewarding, learning and improving daily. She values the welcoming and supportive colleagues who teach her eagerly. Her future goals include passing her trade test and earning a diploma in electrical engineering, fueled by the opportunities at ACWA Power.
Rodney Chabani, Electrical Technician and Mentor at ACWA Bokpoort
Rodney Chabani takes pride in mentoring young apprentices at ACWA Bokpoort, seeing their potential as future engineers. He highlights the rarity and value of such apprenticeship programs in South Africa, which provide free education, accommodation, and eventual job placement, strengthening the local technical workforce.
Corporate Overview
The Redstone Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project by ACWA Power in South Africa’s Northern Cape is revolutionizing renewable energy while profoundly impacting local communities. Utilizing advanced CSP technology, the project employs a vast array of mirrors to focus sunlight onto a central receiver, heating molten salt to produce steam and generate electricity. This innovative system not only provides sustainable energy but also creates numerous job opportunities during construction and operation.
ACWA Power is committed to addressing youth unemployment in South Africa. Twenty local young individuals were selected for hands-on training at a sister plant in Dubai, equipping them with skills for roles as control room and water treatment plant operators. Priscilla Portello, a 23-year-old from Groenwater station, benefited from this program, transforming her prospects and career path.
Additionally, ACWA Power supports local educational infrastructure by providing technical equipment and installing security measures in schools. This enables students to engage in practical learning essential for technical careers. The company also enhances community resources, such as libraries, offering access to computers and books to aid in education and job applications.
Through its apprenticeship program, Redstone trains locals in electrical and mechanical engineering, addressing South Africa’s skills shortage and ensuring a steady supply of qualified professionals. Local workers gain valuable skills by assembling heliostats, further benefiting the community.
ACWA Power’s Redstone project exemplifies how renewable energy initiatives can drive economic growth and community development, fostering a sustainable future for the Northern Cape.
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