Bonteheuwel Church to Unveil Its First Community-Owned Renewable Energy Hub
Cape Town – The Church of the Resurrection is celebrating 60 years of service to the Bonteheuwel community and has been chosen as the site for the first Community Renewable Energy Solar Hub.
In partnership with the ClimateWorks Foundation, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) is initiating this pilot project to demonstrate the potential contributions of faith communities to South Africa’s just energy transition (JET).
The church and the local community are working together to create community-driven renewable energy solutions, with hopes for wider replication across Southern Africa.
Selected from three finalists, the Church of the Resurrection is recognized for its longstanding commitment to the Bonteheuwel community.
Its soup kitchen, which serves around 1,400 people weekly, is set to be one of the first beneficiaries of the renewable energy hub, significantly lowering the church’s ongoing operational costs.
Implementing renewable energy infrastructure within a faith institution highlights the essential role of faith organizations in tackling local issues while bringing people together around practical solutions to climate and energy challenges.
“This landmark event is a significant step for us in realizing SAFCEI’s vision of ‘people of faith caring for the living Earth,’” says Francesca de Gasparis, Executive Director of SAFCEI.
“For JET to be successful, it must reflect the needs of South Africa.
“A truly equitable JET approach must involve communities and respond to their unique needs.
“Collaborating with the Bonteheuwel community on this project feels like a dream come true.”
This initiative aims not just to provide renewable energy but also to promote local knowledge and engagement.
Alongside the solar hub, residents and faith leaders will engage in training sessions, workshops, and continuous dialogue to illustrate the practicalities of a community-driven energy transition, creating a model that can be adopted by other faith institutions and organizations in South Africa and beyond.
“Our aim is to establish solar hubs across Africa, especially since much of the continent lacks electricity or, like South Africa, suffers from energy poverty due to high electricity costs,” de Gasparis explains.
“A solar hub within a faith institution can serve as a vital resource for the community, enhancing climate resilience.”
“This project arrives at a pivotal time in our 60th year, giving us a fresh opportunity to innovate,” shares Father Oswald Cloete of the Church of the Resurrection.
“People come here seeking peace, spiritual growth, and connection, making this initiative closely aligned with our Christian values about stewardship of the Earth and the gifts we receive from God.”
The ceremonial groundbreaking marks the start of the project installation, with the construction of 43 620W solar panels expected to proceed through 2026 prior to the hub becoming operational.
Efforts to engage stakeholders, visits, and training workshops will continue throughout the project, as local residents and faith leaders build the skills and knowledge necessary to support community-led renewable energy initiatives.
“This initiative aims to empower the local community not only by providing energy access but also through education and active involvement,” adds de Gasparis.
The Bonteheuwel hub is part of SAFCEI’s No Faith in False Solutions campaign, intended to serve as a model for similar projects across Southern Africa.
“This is one of our most ambitious community initiatives to date, offering a chance to learn alongside the Bonteheuwel community while creating a model that benefits many other communities in Southern Africa,” concludes David Munene, Chair of the SAFCEI Board.
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