Solar Water Heater Facility Opens

A R40million solar water heater manufacturer – with strong Taiwanese links – was recently launched at the East London Industrial Development Zone (Elidz).

Matla Solar Water Heating (SWH) is the first renewable energy sector investor to locate in the IDZ, and the first fully integrated mass production manufacturing plant for both domestic and industrial solar water heaters in South Africa.

“The opening of Matla is a major milestone for the Eastern Cape province’s vision to position itself as a prime location for renewable energy sector investment,” IDZ spokesperson Ayanda Ramncwana said yesterday.

The facility is set to provide between 80 and 110 jobs within a year. The project is funded partly by Matla Thermal Holdings – a Taiwanese investment consortium led by Funland Industrial Co – and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).

The ECDC holds 15 percent equity in the firm, Matla Thermal Holding holds 53 percent and Funland Industrial Co 32percent.

The Funland Industrial consortium includes Funland Industrial Co, Tz-Jeng Energy Technology, and Ming Yang Solar Energy. They have been producing high pressure solar water heaters in Taiwan over the past 25 years, and will be sharing their expertise and knowledge in the industry at the IDZ facility.

“Our market research noted that there are a number of small scale manufacturers in South Africa.

“With the technology and expertise we have based on our current partnerships, we will be able to produce on a large scale locally which will lower the costs for customers,” said Matla SWH general manager Andy Bin-Chi Lu.

“The main target market for us initially is industrial users such as mining sector change rooms, student residences, apartment buildings and hospitals.”

The industrial/commercial solar water heater market is estimated by Matla SWH to be worth around R4billion, representing a maximum of 1000MW of peak electrical demand to be reduced.

IDZ business development executive manager Tembela Zweni said the attraction of Matla SWH in the zone was part of the zone’s renewable sector strategy.

“We are striving to operate a world-class industrial park without costing the earth; and the launch of Matla Solar is a giant step towards achieving the goal of operating a green IDZ,” said Zweni.