Robben Island could go green

Cape Town - The SA National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi) is looking at ways to "green" Robben Island in Cape Town and lessen its reliance on diesel, it was reported on Monday.

Sanedi told parliament's Energy Portfolio Committee that it wanted to swop the island's use of diesel generators for low-carbon renewable energy.

The island spends R450 000 a month, R5.4m annually, on generating its own power. It also emits 109 tonnes of carbon a month.

Sanedi's David Mahume proposed that wind and wave power generators, two concentrated solar power plants and electricity from biogas could generate enough power for the island.

It was also proposed to instal energy-efficient devices in all island buildings.