Modulêr Electrical Assemblies scales up operations in Cape Town’s Atlantis Special Economic Zone, supporting South Africa’s renewable energy efforts

Significantly stimulating the local green economy, Modulêr Electrical Assemblies, a small and medium-sized enterprise (SMME) specializing in electrical panel components, has officially opened a larger facility in the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ). The ribbon-cutting ceremony was officiated by Mayoral Committee member Councilor James Vos earlier this week.

The company’s new headquarters covers an area of ​​4,000 m², a significant increase from the original 700 m² when the company launched just two years ago. This growth is underlined by the rapid increase in investment in the green economy sector. Modulêr produces components used in solar parks, wind farms and data centers, and its products are already present in data centers in Cape Town.

“The company’s growth represents an incredible increase in investment in the green economy,” said Alderman Vos. “Modulêr operates in the Atlantis Special Economic Zone, for which the city has provided land, and the electric panels are part of the specifications for our future 7 MW solar power plant, which is an integral part of the city’s energy security plan. This expansion is expected to contribute approximately R105 million to the economy over the next five years.

Modulêra’s expansion reflects the broader trend towards renewable energy, with investment in this sector continuing to grow. A recent UN-backed report noted that investments in energy transition technologies generate three times as many jobs per $1 million compared to fossil fuels.

Matthew Cullinan, CEO of Atlantis Special Economic Zone Company, highlighted the benefits of the ASSE zone, including government support and resilient green infrastructure. “As an SSE, we develop clusters in the renewable energy and agribusiness value chains. We welcome Modulêr’s expansion and are committed to continuing to support them and other investors in ASSE,” Cullinan said.

Councilor Vos emphasized the importance of Atlantis as a manufacturing center, noting that over 60% of metro’s manufacturing activity takes place in the Atlantis industrial area, covering approximately 450,000 m2 of space.

The city’s Investment Facilitation Branch (IFB) has played a key role in supporting businesses in Atlantis. Companies such as Hisense, which manufactures devices in the area, have expanded their operations, creating more employment opportunities for residents.

Recognizing the region’s economic potential, IFB operates a specialized Atlantis Investment Facilitation Office, which offers a range of support services to attract investors. These services include quickly submitting building plan applications, providing financial incentives and offering small business development programs.

“We are committed to overseeing the provision of council services to support further investment in the area,” said Atlantis sub-council leader, Cllr Allister Lightburn. “Our development programs help small businesses seize new opportunities by preparing them for tenders and smart purchasing.”

The Atlantis Zone has already attracted investments worth over R800 million and created hundreds of jobs, and projections indicate that private sector investment could reach R3 billion in the next five years. This expansion highlights the region’s growing importance in the renewable energy transition and economic development.

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