Affordable housing developer, Alley Roads, and Blue Energy Africa, a developer and operator of embedded clean energy utility infrastructure, have implemented a hybrid energy solution for Riverstone Mall with the installation of a 5.0MWh battery, one of the largest batteries of its kind in SA.

The battery will be fed by a 2.3MWp PV panel system to ensure that the mall can operate during inclement weather conditions and during evenings.

“Being a community shopping centre, Riverstone Mall is the ideal size to operate mostly independently from the national power grid. This not only ensures an uninterrupted shopping experience but importantly, shields our tenants from ongoing rate increases by the national utility provider,” commented Ivan Pretorius, fonder and CEO of Alley Roads.

“We are excited to launch our partnership with Alley Roads Group through the Riverstone Mall hybrid energy project, marking a significant milestone in their clean energy journey. This project will not only provide sustainable energy at affordable rates but also ensure energy security when needed. By integrating best-in-class technology, the solution is designed to reduce carbon emissions, aligning with our commitment to environmental stewardship. It will set new standards in technical integration and optimization, reinforcing our shared goal of advancing sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Jan van Ravenswaay, CTO of Blue Energy Africa.

The announcement of the hybrid energy solution follows the R370 million, 20 000m² first-phase development of Riverstone Mall, Meyerton’s first formal retail offering which is set to trade from March 2025.