VAAL MALL GETS INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST

The Vaal Mall in Vanderbijl Park, Gauteng, is upgrading its infrastructure to include a solar-first power and backup energy system, as well as a convenient new link road into the mall, directly from the R57 Golden Highway.

The new 2.5MW rooftop solar plant, when taken together with the mall’s existing carport solar installation of 1MVA, increases the mall’s total solar power plants to 3MW. As part of the project, the mall’s diesel generators will also be consolidated to create a hybrid soar and diesel integrated power system for the mall. The system is designed to use solar power whenever available, including during load shedding. Once the new energy management project is complete, the mall will be a leading renewable energy powered shopping centre, increasing the solar energy used and decreasing the amount of diesel burned, as well as the costs associated with this.

The mall’s decreased reliance on the national grid and fossil fuels aligns with the environmental commitment of its owners. Growthpoint has set a target to be carbon neutral by 2050, with green buildings and green energy helping it to achieve its goal. The owners are also building a new link road off the Golden Highway, with a traffic signalled intersection that will help alleviate traffic congestion into the mall.

The project is due for completion at the end of June 2023.

www.vaalmallshopping.co.za