Independent Power Producer Enernet Global (Enernet) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to build, own, operate and maintain a 12MW DC solar Photovoltaic (PV) plant with Vedanta Zinc International’s (VZI) Black Mountain Mining operations in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
The plant will generate approximately 29 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, substituting a portion of the current Eskom supply. This will reduce carbon emissions by circa 12,244 tonnes per annum compared to Eskom supply. Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024 and take approximately 9 months to complete. The Project will also generate direct and indirect employment within the Khâi-Ma municipal area and Namakwa District, both in the construction and 25-year operational tenor of the plant.
Enernet owns and operates hybrid power systems for mining and industrial companies designed to lower costs, reduce emissions and improve reliability. The company has over 140MW of capacity in operation, construction, contracted or awarded of which 60MW is located in Africa.
“We are excited to be Vedanta’s long-term partner for power on their decarbonisation journey, working together on the roadmap, phasing and roll-out of renewables,” said Bart Haverkamp, Enernet’s Managing Director, Africa.
“ESG is the key focus at VZI. In line with our agenda to transform the planet for the greater good, we have committed to reducing carbon emissions by 35ktons and installing 76% renewable energy by 2027. Our goal is carbon neutrality by 2040. We are excited to partner with Enernet as this 12MW solar energy project, which will reduce emissions and enhance energy reliability and security,” says Pushpender Singla, VZI Executive Director & CFO.
VZI has further plans to decarbonize its operations through its Renewables Energy Programme and will progress into Phase 2 which will encompass the wheeling of energy from offsite generation, across the Eskom transmission line, to offset its Gamsberg Mining operation. Phase 3 is aimed at the expansion of Gamsberg Phase II and is in its initial stages.