Image: NS Energy
The world’s primary producer of platinum, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), has selected a consortium comprising off-grid developer, Pele Green Energy, and independent power producer (IPP), EDF Renewables South Africa, as the preferred supplier to construct a 100 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at its Mogalakwena mine in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
Pele Green Energy, an IPP that develops and operates renewable energy projects, is expected to commence construction of the solar PV plant in the fourth quarter of 2022, with operation expected by the end of 2023.
Following this year’s announcement that South Africa companies may now construct self-generation units of up to 100 MW to reduce reliance on the country’s national grid, the move to transition to renewable energy demonstrates the platinum mining company’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across its operations by 2040.
“Our selection of Pele Green Energy – EDF Renewables South Africa gives us further momentum towards our environmental goals set out in our Sustainable Mining Plan designed specifically to drive business efficiency, resilience, and agility,” stated Amplats CEO, Natascha Viljoen, adding, “We are particularly excited about the prospect of using plentiful solar energy to produce green hydrogen at Mogalakwena, as part of a broader project to convert our mine haul trucks to run on zero emission hydrogen fuel cells.”
Qgi Roaleka, Managing Director of Pelen Green Energy, stated on behalf of the consortium, “We are very excited to progress this market-leading project in the renewable energy industry, whilst creating lasting social impact. We look forward to being part of Anglo American Platinum’s significant carbon neutrality strategy.”
Amplats noted in their statement on 6 October, its inclusion of a 10% free carry equity ownership into the consortium, which will result in dividends attributable directly to the host communities over time.
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