Glencore adds solar power supply for ferroalloys operations in South Africa
Glencore’s ferroalloys division and its joint venture partner Merafe Resources have entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with Pele Green Energy (PGE), an independent power producer specialising in the development and operation of renewable energy projects in South Africa.
The agreement is for a 20-year period and will see energy produced by PGE’s Sonvanger Solar PV Power Plant used to power Glencore-Merafe ferrochrome operations. Once developed, the plant is expected to generate up to 100MW of solar energy, enough to save an estimated 1.82 million tonnes in CO2 emissions per year.
The plant was conceived by Glencore in keeping with its Purpose of responsibly sourcing the commodities that advance everyday life and this agreement with PGE supports Glencore’s broader climate strategy.
“We are pleased to be taking another step to secure renewable power supply as part of our efforts to reduce the overall emissions footprint of our ferroalloys industrial operations,” said Japie Fullard, Glencore Ferroalloys CEO. “This agreement follows our plans to develop a 25MW solar plant aimed at reducing emissions at our Rhovan operations and is line with our ambition to play our part in supporting a lower carbon future.”
Located 4km southwest of Theunissen in the Masilonyana Local Municipality, the plant’s construction and operational phases are also expected to create employment opportunities, benefiting local communities and supporting economic growth.
Image description: Solar panels at Glencore’s Raglan Mine in northern Quebec, Canada.
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