Pilanesberg Platinum Mines, a subsidiary of Sedibelo Platinum, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the juwi/Sturdee Energy consortium to procure 75 MW of renewable energy through two projects that will power its mining operations in the North West province.
German renewable energy firm juwi will serve as joint developer, EPC contractor and O&M contractor, while Sturdee Energy will function as joint developer and independent power producer.
The first project leverages solar PV and wind systems to supply 40 MW of clean energy to the mine via a wheeling arrangement from sites in Limpopo and Western Cape, while the second project is a 35 MW solar plant that will directly supply energy to the mine located 60 km northwest of the mining town Rustenburg.
The two projects are expected to come online by 2024 and 2026, respectively, and to reduce carbon emissions by 45%, in addition to generating substantial cost savings.
“When [South African] President [Cyril] Ramaphosa announced that companies would be able to generate their own renewable power up to 100 MW, he unleashed tremendous opportunities which are impacting positively on the environment, on business and on the economy, while also taking pressure off the grid,” said Lael Bethlehem, Chief ESG Officer of Sedibelo Platinum.
“South Africa is indeed fortunate to have a good solar and wind resource, as well as companies that can deliver renewable projects in a fairly short time frame,” said Erich Clarke, CEO of Sedibelo Platinum.
