Groundbreaking Solar Technology Introduced at Singita Kruger National Park

4 July 2017 – This year, Singita will unveil the redesign of Singita Sweni Lodge in South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park. The concept of the reshaped lodge puts sustainability at its core by setting new standards in energy management and conservation. A major milestone in the evolution of Singita as a conservation company, Singita Sweni Lodge will reopen August 2017.

One of the key initiatives at Singita Sweni Lodge and its sister-lodge Singita Lebombo Lodge is the addition of a Tesla Powerpack system to add storage capabilities to Singita’s existing solar project. The batteries are adapted from the same cell technology used in Tesla’s lithium ion batteries that power electric cars. The combination of solar and Powerpack enables sustainable energy generation, consumption, and storage for Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges.

****Singita has already seen promising results. Compared to the initial system in same two months in 2015, production of solar energy has increased by 1000% to 219,454 kWh. This is enough energy to power 180 middle-income South African homes for two months. It has also resulted in a 79% drop in diesel used by the generators, saving 132 tonnes of carbon emissions. Singita expects to see improvements in these results as the year progresses.

The Tesla Powerpack system is ideally suited to Singita’s off-grid lodges as the batteries provide a stable source of energy, which will allow Singita to switch off the generators completely when enough solar power has been produced. The design is flexible and scalable, which means it can be expanded as Singita’s needs increase.

Since Singita Lebombo Lodge was opened in 2001 until its 2016 overhaul, and throughout Singita Sweni’s current refurbishment, Singita has sought to emphasise sustainability. Their initiatives include cutting edge design to ensure that the lodges touch the earth lightly. Tucked into a riverbank and surrounded by ancient trees, Singita Sweni has always taken inspiration from the surrounding bush. An intimate hideaway within Singita’s private 33,000-acre concession, the new-look Singita Sweni Lodge is constructed to incorporate energy-saving methods of operation and design elements that mimic the encompassing landscape.

Working with Tesla and renewable energy supplier SolarAfrica, is simply the next step in Singita’s 100-year vision to conserve, preserve and protect the one million acres of Africa in their care for future generations.

Singita is proud to have implemented this new off-grid renewable energy plant to further reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The company will do all in its power to promote renewable energy systems across Africa and will continue to share the encouraging results while growing as a conservation company.

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Note to Editors:

Singita

Singita is a conservation company preserving African wilderness for the past two decades. Through an exceptional safari experience with 12 award-winning lodges and camps across South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, Singita is able to partially fund the protection and preservation of pristine land and existing wildlife populations, not to mention helping to create economic independence within local communities surrounding the reserves. Travellers choose to stay at Singita because of the expansive space and beauty of the reserves, limited guest and vehicle numbers, extraordinary consistent game viewing and the exceptional care taken of each guest during their stay. After a Singita safari, guests leave transformed, knowing they’ve made a contribution to Africa’s legacy.

Reservations can be made through the address below:

Singita, Tel: +27 21 683 3424,

Email: enquiries@singita.com, www.singita.com

Press Release

Contact: Singita Public Relations

E-mail: PR@singita.com