KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, 27 January 2025 – Decentral Energy is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Mowana Communities NPC, a leading provider of retirement accommodation and care for older adults in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. This collaboration will see the financing, design, installation, and operation of advanced hybrid energy systems for three of Mowana’s residences: Woodgrove Village and Sunnyside Village in Pietermaritzburg, and Greendale CareCentre in Howick.
The integrated systems will include a total of 435 kWp of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, 720 kWh of battery storage, and 360 kVA of diesel generators, all seamlessly connected to the municipal grid. The cutting-edge solutions are tailored to meet Mowana’s energy needs, ensuring cost savings, budgeting predictability, energy reliability, and sustainability for its essential services, including frail care units, central kitchens and security.
Mowana provides safe and comfortable living arrangements for older adults, with services ranging from independent living to fully supported care. Reliable energy is critical to maintaining these essential services, and this partnership aims to safeguard Mowana’s operations against load shedding, prolonged outages and rising energy costs.
"This project underscores our commitment to ensuring our residents comfort and safety,” said Trevor Clowes, CEO of Mowana. “Decentral Energy’s innovative approach aligns perfectly with our vision of sustainability and resilience.
The hybrid energy systems will not only lower Mowana’s medium to long term electricity costs but also reduce its reliance on diesel generators, leading to significant cost savings and a smaller environmental impact. By integrating solar PV, batteries, and diesel generators with the municipal grid, the solution offers unmatched energy reliability and efficiency.
"We are excited to partner with Mowana Communities NPC on this transformative project,” said Christian Bode, Executive Director of Decentral Energy. “Our expertise in hybrid energy solutions will ensure Mowana’s facilities operate seamlessly, even during power outages, while also contributing to environmental sustainability."
The Mowana-Decentral Energy partnership marks a significant step forward in delivering renewable energy solutions to critical older adult community services. As the energy landscape evolves, projects like this highlight the potential for innovative solutions to address pressing challenges such as energy security and affordability.
Decentral Energy is a leading provider of comprehensive energy solutions. The company designs, installs, owns, operates, and maintains solar PV, battery storage, and generator systems. The company is committed to delivering reliable and sustainable energy to clients across various sectors.
Mowana is the merged organisation representing PADCA (Pietermaritzburg & District Association for the Care of the Aged) and HADCA (Howick & District Care of the Aged). As a deeply rooted, diverse and sustaining organisation, they are a dynamic non-profit company, a leader in person-directed support in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Mowana provides quality accommodation and care services for older adults, offering a range of community living options that prioritise comfort, safety, and a sense of belonging.
For more information about Mowana,please visit www.mowana.org
