Soutpan Solar achieves very ambitious biodiversity targets

Renewable Energy

Soutpan Solar Power near Vivo in the Limpopo Province is successfully managing its e­waste, with damaged or failed solar panels being recycled into bricks locally – adding to their environmental benefits. Previously, the precious metals were sent overseas to be recycled; however, this renewable­energy facility is now managing the process locally, thereby avoiding large carbon emissions, in addition to stimulating the local economy.

Managed by Globeleq South Africa Management Services, panels are now safely being recycled across all the company’s six solar sites, unless they can be repaired, which is the first option. This is managed in-house, with trained local staff who have been efficient in managing sizeable quantities.

“Previously, the precious metals had to be sent overseas to be recycled, but now we can avoid those large carbon emissions by getting the panels recycled properly here. In fact, all panels across all our solar sites get recycled. We are not permitted to store more than 80 cubes of hazardous waste on site at one time, which amounts to approximately 1 300 panels. As soon as we accumulate 1 000 panels, we take them to be recycled,” explained Marli Schoeman, environmental specialist for Soutpan Solar Power and Globeleq South Africa Management Services.

Panels are susceptible to lightening damage, and solar power projects expect a general rate of 0.1% panel failure. The first option is always to repair the panels, which has the added benefit of upskilling and supporting local employment. “We have trained our staff on site to repair any panels that can be reused, instead of sending them off for recycling. This has been very successful, with thousands currently being repaired inhouse,” added Schoeman.

Globeleq South Africa Management Services makes use of several other biodiversity interventions across their sites, in addition to this programme. Most of the plants have ceased washing their solar panels, which uses scarce water supplies in South Africa’s droughtprone areas.

“Everyone assumes we wash the panels regularly, but we have discovered that rainfall is sufficient to wash the panels. Approximately 5 000 litres of water is saved per day through this initiative, and we haven’t washed the panels at Soutpan Solar Power for the last three years,” concluded Schoeman.

(Article by Tina Meier I TM Communications)

“Waar twee of drie in sy Naam vergader is, daar is Hy in hul midde” (Matteus 18:20) om saam te snoer en te seën. Waar ‘n man en vrou saam streef om die hemel te bereik, kan hulle reken op sy bystand en genade. As twee vriende saam wandel om hul moeilikhede te bespreek, is Hy by hulle. As sy kinders in die oond van verdrukking beland, staan Hy in hul midde.

Aan die ander kant bring Christus die swaard en nie net vrede nie. In ‘n goddelose huisgesin, waar niemand God vrees nie, en een word gered, kom daar onmiddellik ‘n breuk onder die huisgenote.

By sy wederkoms op die wolke skei Jesus die skape van die bokke. Hy het gesê dat twee op een bed sal slaap en dat een opgeneem en die ander agtergelaat sal word. Wat ‘n ontnugtering sal dit vir ons wees om te bemerk waar daardie skeidslyn deur ons huis en gemeente loop.

Die eindoordeel doen niks meer nie as om ‘n werklike skeiding wat verborge was, openbaar te stel.

Dit skei ons in twee groepe: vir of teen Hom. Ons kan nie anders nie, ons moet vir Hom ja of nee sê. Wat was jou keuse?

Jesus in die middel. Dit geld ook vir die volkome saligheid daarbo. Die Lam wat geslag is, is in die middel van die troon (Openbaring 5:6). Hy is waardig om te ontvang die eer en die danksegging en aanbidding.

- Ds. Johan Marais (Louis Trichardt Baptistekerk)

Louis Trichardt

Results: parkrun #97 - 02/02/2023

Every Saturday at 7:00am

Ltt Parkrun Statistics 2023

• Number of events: 97 • Finishers: 764

• Average number of finishers per week: 42

• Average finish time: 00:42:14

• Female record holder : Donna GREYLING - Time: 21:19 (04/01/20)

• Male record holder : Livhalani MUDAU - Time: 16:16 (10/09/22)

What is Louis Trichardt parkrun?

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5km community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! Every Saturday at 8:00am

Where is it?

The event takes place at Louis Trichardt Tree Sanctuary, Limpopo Tourism Info Centre, Corner of Songozwi Street and N1.

What does it cost to join in?

Nothing - it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.

How fast do I have to be?

We all run for our own enjoyment.

Please come along and join in whatever your pace!

For more info & results just scan this QR Code: