Construction World December 2023

on capturing and converting landfill gas, utilizing advanced gas collection and processing systems to transform methane-rich emissions into electricity for the Cape Town electrical grid. The initiative not only mitigates the harmful effects of methane on the environment but also addresses South Africa's pressing need for electrical generation. Additionally, the project pioneer’s circular economy practices by incorporating a sophisticated Material Recovery Facility (MRF) that employs cutting-edge sorting and processing technology to recover and reintroduce recyclable materials into the economy. It's a prime example of how engineering can repurpose waste, generate clean energy, and promote sustainability, setting a precedent for similar projects worldwide. This project addressed Cape Town's annual disposal of 2 million tonnes of waste material, which typically ends up in landfills, including organic waste that generates pollutants and gases. The facility captures and utilises these gases, primarily methane, for electricity generation, aligning with the city's need for sustainable energy solutions. Despite tight time constraints, the engineering team expertly navigated environmental challenges on a confined site, which was urgently repurposed for this project. Innovative design solutions ensured effective stormwater management and accommodated existing infrastructure, like a sewer rising main pipeline. Overcoming technical soil constraints required soil replacement to ensure the safety of the electrical

generation units. Throughout construction, the project maintained continuity of service for the existing sewer rising main, with the City of Cape Town actively overseeing progress, demonstrating a strong commitment to its success. The design innovation of this project is truly groundbreaking. It revolves around the ingenious concept of harnessing landfill gas for electricity generation while seamlessly integrating a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to promote circular economy practices. This innovative approach not only addresses energy needs but also maximizes resource efficiency by efficiently sorting and processing recyclable materials. The waste-to-energy facility is designed to generate carbon credits through the Clean Development Mechanism which can be used or sold to offset carbon emissions in Cape Town. 

• Company entering: JG Afrika • Client: City of Cape Town • Main contractor: Fountain Civil Engineering • Architect: Colab Concepts • Consulting Engineer: JG Afrika PROJECT INFORMATION

1/2 H: JG AFRIKA