Powerway Renewable Energy Company Ltd. (Foshan City, China) has announced that it will invest ZAR 10 million (approx. USD 5 million) to build six new production facilities in South Africa to manufacture its Powerfit, PowerScrew and PowerTracker products.

The company estimates that these facilities will have a total capacity to produce products to accompany 500 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation. Powerway's investments will include a combination of self-financing and bank financing, the company reports.

"Powerway is pleased and very proud to be given the opportunity to participate in the new solar boom of this wonderful emerging market, and is ready to invest in technology transfer to contribute to the local economy, especially to boost and bloom the African community," stated Powerway CEO Benson Wu.

"This investment program is estimated to be completed in six months, then we will be able to accommodate over 4000 employment opportunities for the local people and to supply mounting structures for over 500 MW of solar farms per year."


Powerway to build galvanizing facilities, training center

The company states that it will work in conjunction with the South African government's BBBEE program. Locations for the facilities will include the towns of Kimberley, De Aar and Upington.

The company has set up a technical team to support the launch of the new facilities. Powerway will additionally set up galvanizing facilities for the steel structures of PV plants as well as a training center for the local workforce in Kimberley, South Africa.


Factories to require 30,000 tons of steel annually

Powerway states that it will require 30,000 tons of steel and over 500 tons of extruded aluminum on an annual basis for the anticipated output of the six production facilities.

Powerway also notes that it has been awarded contracts to supply 50-75 MW of PV projects in South Africa.

2012-01-24| Courtesy: Powerway Renewable Energy Company Ltd. | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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