Platinum producer Implats calls for 30MW solar plant bids

South African platinum producer, Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats), is inviting renewable energy independent power producers to submit expressions of interest for the engineering, construction, and operation of a 30MW solar energy power plant for its Marula Platinum division in South Africa’s Limpopo province. 

The solar project is expected to be constructed on land that the platinum producer owns and has mining rights. The solar energy power plant will connect behind the meter, and Implats hopes that the plant will help meet some of Marula’s power needs as power supply challenges in South Africa are affecting its operations.

“Security of electricity supply and rising energy prices are material risks for our operation,” said Themba Ngobeni, Marula GM in a statement. “Further, we are committed to contributing towards Implats’ ambitious targets to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the group by 2030. A renewable energy supply will help us mitigate risk and deliver on our commitments,” he said.

Decarbonising Implats mines

Additionally, the solar energy power plant is expected to help reduce Marula Platinum’s carbon emissions significantly, as well as improve its environmental credentials. The solar plant forms part of its parent company Impats’ overall decarbonisation strategy and renewable energy plans.

Implats is targeting to deploy about 520 MW of renewable energy as part of an ambitious target to reduce its carbon emission by 30% by 2030, and become carbon neutral by 2050. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company produces approximately 3.3-million tons of carbon emissions a year, of which it aims to reduce to 2.2-million tons by 2030, achieving a saving of 1.1-million tons.

Furthermore, at its subsidiary in Zimbabwe, Zimplats, Implats is looking to deploy about 185 MW of renewable energy, with Phase 1 of the plans underway with a 35 MW of solar photovoltaic power plant currently being developed. 

Interested parties are required to submit bids by email to tenders.marula@implats.co.za by 12:00 on the 26th of June 2023.