ECOVISION VELDDRIF
Our Vision
SUPPLY FROM 100% GREEN SOURCES
OUR VISION
Energy & Water Supply
EcoVision Velddrif is powered entirely by renewable energy from the KTE.energy project in the Northern Cape. This energy is transported to the city via the GreenLink corridor and distributed locally via the Velddrif Water & Power grid. In addition, decentralized PV systems on buildings and infrastructure ensure energy autonomy in all urban districts. Battery storage systems in strategic hubs ensure 24/7 supply security.
Water supply through seawater desalination. Drinking and industrial water comes from the neighboring Velddrif Water & Power plant, which can desalinate up to 400,000 m³ per day. This not only supplies the city but also creates a stable water supply for industry and agriculture.
The combination of green electricity and sustainable water harvesting makes EcoVision Velddrif one of the first cities in Africa to be completely energy and water self-sufficient.
Urban Planning & Infrastructure
A master plan for generations
EcoVision Velddrif’s urban planning is based on a clear, modular structure. Each urban district functions independently but is part of an interconnected overall system.
Core principles of urban planning:
- Density without narrowness: balanced mix of urbanity and nature
- Mixture: Living, working and leisure in the immediate vicinity
- Green axes: parks, waterways and cycle paths connect all zones
- Sustainable architecture: local materials, energy efficiency, passive cooling
- Intelligent mobility: electric, autonomous, connected
The transport planning is based on a smart mobility system with autonomous shuttles, e-bikes, car-sharing fleets and an internal airspace concept for autonomous air taxis that will connect EcoVision Velddrif with Cape Town.
“A city that is self-sufficient and yet connected to the world.”
Economy & Industry
An industrial catalyst for the green economy
EcoVision Velddrif is not only a residential area but also an economic center. The city is home to specialized industrial and technology zones focused on future industries:
- Green Hydrogen & PtX Cluster : Processing of hydrogen, ammonia, e-methanol and sustainable fuels.
- Data & AI Campus : Data centers, cloud services, and AI applications powered by 100% green electricity.
- CleanTech Valley : Start-ups and companies for circular economy, water technology and sustainable materials.
- Agritech Zone : innovative agriculture with desalinated water and vertical production.
- Tourism & Wellness Hub : sustainable coastal tourism, hospitality & lifestyle concepts.
This diversity creates thousands of highly qualified jobs and promotes international investment in research, development and production.
Education & Research
Knowledge is the most important resource for a sustainable future.
A central component of the city is the Creating Hope Academy, an education and research center partnership between Creating Hope, Stellenbosch University and the Fraunhofer Institute for renewable energy, water technology, AI and sustainable urban development.
In cooperation with South African and international universities, we offer:
- Specialists trained for green industries.
- Research programs with institutions such as Fraunhofer, KfW and IDC.
- Innovations are transferred directly into local applications.
EcoVision Velddrif will thus become a knowledge center that combines theory, practice and entrepreneurship.
Society & Quality of Life
Urban Ecology: Green Living Redefined
EcoVision Velddrif places great emphasis on social integration and quality of life . The town offers a diverse range of housing options—from affordable apartments to exclusive frontline villas with lake views. Each neighborhood has its own parks, schools, health centers, and local amenities.
Quality of life here means:
- Short distances, clean air, safe environment.
- Cultural diversity and active community.
- Access to education, nature and technology.
- Sustainable architecture and green public space.
Social diversity is part of the concept: people from different income and educational backgrounds live side by side – united by a shared understanding of responsibility and progress.
Digitalization & Smart City Technology
EcoVision Velddrif thinks of the city not in buildings – but in systems
EcoVision Velddrif will be fully digitally planned, built, and operated. The backbone will be a municipal fiber optic and 5G network that connects all buildings, vehicles, utility systems, and public facilities.
Technological components:
- Central Urban Operating Platform for energy, water and traffic management.
- AI-based urban logistics for waste, recycling and supply.
- Digital twins of all districts for simulation and optimization.
- Citizen app for real-time interaction with city services.
This creates a data-driven city that saves energy, optimizes processes and offers its citizens convenience and transparency.
Environment & Sustainability
Shape the City: Your
Opportunity for Impact
The entire urban development is geared toward climate neutrality and resource conservation. Every square meter is planned, built, and operated according to ecological principles.
Sustainability principles:
- Energy supply from 100% renewable sources.
- Water recycling and circular economy.
- Green roofs and facades for CO₂ binding.
- Biodiversity corridors and protected areas.
- Environmentally friendly building materials (wood, recycled concrete).
- Zero-waste strategy in all districts.
EcoVision Velddrif will be the first city in Africa to achieve a climate-positive balance – producing more energy than it consumes in the long term.