A juwi/Sturdee consortium will construct two renewable energy projects for the Pilanesberg Platinum Mines situated about 60 km northwest of Rustenburg on the western limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. Aggregating 75 MW, the projects will enable the mine to cut its carbon emissions by 45% and generate significant cost savings.
Pilanesberg Platinum, a subsidiary of Sedibelo Platinum, has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with juwi/Sturdee Energy comprising a PPA for a 40 MW wind-cum-solar PV system that will meet 55% to 60% of the mine’s power load when it commences operation in 2024.
Additionally, juwi/Sturdee will develop and construct an adjacently located 35 MW solar plant that will directly supply power to the mine by 2026.
juwi will function as joint developer, EPC contractor, and O&M contractor for these projects. Sturdee Energy will act as joint developer and independent power producer (IPP).
“South Africa is indeed fortunate to have a good solar and wind resource, as well as companies that can deliver renewable projects in a fairly short timeframe,” said Sedibelo CEO Erich Clarke.
Sedibelo chief environmental, social and governance officer Lael Bethlehem commented that the company will open discussions with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) after finalizing the PPA.
“We will have to cross that bridge when we get to it,” Bethlehem added.
Source: MINING WEEKLY
Image of the Merensky Concentrator: Sedibelo Image Gallery