Harmony Gold commissions 30MW solar plant in the Free State

Gold producer Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, has commissioned a 30 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic plant in the Free State of South Africa, which is expected to meet around 6% of the mining firm’s energy needs in its South Africa operations.

The project forms part of Phase 1 of the company’s renewable energy programme, and is expected to reduce the miner’s carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 65 000 tonnes in the first 12 months of the solar plant’s operation.

According to Harmony, the Phase 2 of its renewable energy programme will commence in December 2023 (“FY24”), and is anticipated to be completed in FY25. In its Phase 2 of the company’s renewable energy programme, Harmony expects to add an additional 137MW in renewable energy capacity.

“The renewable energy programme is critical to Harmony as we continue to decarbonise whilst lowering our energy supply risk and alleviating pressure on the national grid,” said Peter Steenkamp, Harmony CEO.

“This comprehensive programme will improve our energy mix, ensuring we achieve our goal of becoming net carbon zero by 2045. The allocation of capital towards such sustainable projects further demonstrates our commitment to the environment and decarbonisation as we continue “Mining with Purpose”, Steenkamp added.

Harmony to realise significant savings in electricity costs

Additionally, the gold mining company anticipates to achieve an estimated R425 million in savings to its electricity bill per a year once Phase 1 and 2 of its renewable energy programme are complete.

Harmony revealed that the first 100MW of Phase 2 will be largely funded using the R1.5 billion green loan that was secured in June 2022. The remaining 37MW will be delivered through a power purchase agreement.

Harmony is targeting to achieve net carbon zero emissions by 2045. The company says Phase 1 and 2 of its renewable energy programme are key interventions in its journey towards this ambition.