Pilanesberg Platinum Mines (PPM), a subsidiary of Sedibelo Platinum has appointed a consortium of juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd, and South African renewable energy independent power producer, Sturdee Energy to supply 75 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to power its mining operations.
The juwi/Sturdee Energy consortium signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sedibelo’s Pilanesberg Platinum Mines (PPM) last week and will now commence negotiations towards a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Under the agreement, the consortium will use a combination of solar PV and wind systems to power the 40MW mine load via a wheeling arrangement from two separate sites, one in Limpopo and one in the Western Cape. This project will supply 55-60% of the mine’s energy needs, and is planned to commence operation in 2024.
Solar project development
The juwi/Sturdee consortium will build a 35MW solar plant at or adjacent to the mine for the direct provision of power to meet the mine’s growing energy needs, and is planned to commence operation in 2026.
Sturdee Energy will act as a joint developer and Independent Power Producer in the two projects, meanwhile juwi will leverage its expertise in mining renewable energy projects and act as joint developer, EPC contractor and O&M contractor.
“juwi is excited to be supporting them as a long-term partner for the development and deployment of a renewable energy solution for their mining operation at Pilanesberg. By deploying a combination of solar PV and wind generation, they can cost effectively reduce total emissions of the site by 45%, which is a significant achievement,” said juwi’s Director Global Hybrids, Dave Manning.
Sturdee Energy’s Executive Directors, James White and Andrew Johnson, commented saying; “We thank Sedibelo for the trust they have placed in our consortium. This Memorandum of Understanding demonstrates the commitment of Sedibelo, Sturdee Energy and juwi to use world class technical solutions to secure the mining industry’s position within a sustainable future.”
Mine’s carbon emissions and electricity bill to reduce
“In addition to this global directive, the integration of wind and solar into Sedibelo’s mining operations will deliver certainty to long term electricity supply at significant cost reductions,” Sturdee Energy’s Executive Directors added.
In addition to meeting the mining company’s energy needs, the renewable energy projects will help Sedibelo Platinum reduce the mine’s carbon emissions by about 45%. The projects will also significantly reduce the mine’s electricity bill and take pressure off the Eskom grid.
“Our decision to procure renewable energy for our mining operations is an important part of our ESG journey as a mining company. This is but one of a number of initiatives designed to cut our carbon emissions, increase our efficiencies and grow our contribution to the South African economy,” said Arne Frandsen, Sedibelo Platinum’s Chairman.
“All companies have a role to play in reducing carbon emissions. Mining companies can be a big part of the solution and Sedibelo is serious about making a significant contribution to this effort. We will make additional announcements in this regard in due course,” Frandsen concluded.
