Cape Town Expands Waste-to-Energy at Coastal Park

Cape Town has committed R93 million to a waste-to-power plant at the Coastal Park Landfill near Muizenberg.

This facility converts methane from decomposing waste into electricity, powering more than 4,000 households monthly whilst addressing critical environmental challenges. The project tackles methane emissions, a key driver of global warming, as landfills release this potent greenhouse gas from organic waste breakdown.

Methane carries a global warming potential 25-27 times that of carbon dioxide. The waste-to-power plant captures and burns it safely, producing water vapour and carbon dioxide instead. Since November 2025, perforated pipes comprising 49 vertical wells up to 30 metres deep extract the gas through matching horizontal trenches. The methane flows to engines via collector pipes, passing treatment to remove condensate and impurities.

Technical Operations and Grid Integration

The waste-to-power plant generates 1.3 million kWh monthly. Cape Town officials feed 1.2 million kWh into the municipal grid, sufficient for more than 4,000 households. The remainder powers landfill operations, reducing costs for ratepayers whilst decreasing reliance on Eskom amid national energy constraints.

Two generators utilise the methane as fuel, creating immediate operational benefits. Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management Grant Twigg highlighted the decade-long development process, acknowledging regulatory hurdles and infrastructure requirements. The initiative prevents waste spread, reduces disease risks, and improves air quality for surrounding communities.

Carbon Credits Drive Financial Returns

Cape Town earned R36 million in carbon credits from reduced emissions between 2018-2020, with ongoing generation awaiting validation. This demonstrates clear financial viability beyond operational savings. The city plans an R82 million expansion including facilities at Vissershok landfill, with design commenced and commissioning targeted for mid-2029.

Similar plants operate across Johannesburg and eThekwini, representing one of eight facilities nationwide. For investors, this waste-to-power plant exemplifies Africa’s transformation of waste burdens into revenue streams. Carbon credits and grid sales offer tangible returns whilst methane reduction supports ESG mandates.

With South African cities facing landfill capacity shortages of less than five years in major hubs, scale-up opportunities emerge in waste-to-energy infrastructure. Institutional funds targeting green municipal bonds or public-private partnerships stand to benefit as projects mature across the continent.

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