Enernet Global (Enernet), an independent energy producer, has recently signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Vedanta Zinc International (VZI). The agreement entails Enernet building, owning, operating, and maintaining a 12MW DC solar Photovoltaic (PV) plant in partnership with VZI’s Black Mountain Mining operations, situated in South Africa’s Northern Cape.
The solar plant is anticipated to produce approximately 29 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, offsetting a portion of the existing Eskom supply. This move is expected to result in a reduction of approximately 12,244 tonnes of carbon emissions each year when compared to Eskom’s supply. Construction of the project is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2024 and is estimated to take around 9 months to complete. Additionally, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities within the Khâi-Ma municipal area and the Namakwa District, both directly and indirectly, during both the construction phase and the 25-year operational period.
Enernet specializes in the ownership and operation of hybrid power systems designed for mining and industrial companies. These systems are geared towards cost reduction, emissions reduction, and enhanced reliability. Currently, Enernet boasts a portfolio of over 140MW of capacity, including projects in operation, under construction, contracted, or awarded, with 60MW of capacity located within Africa.
Bart Haverkamp, Managing Director for Africa at Enernet, expressed enthusiasm for the long-term collaboration with Vedanta in their journey towards decarbonization, emphasizing their joint efforts in implementing renewable energy solutions.
Pushpender Singla, VZI’s Executive Director & CFO, underlined VZI’s commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives and decarbonization initiatives. The 12MW solar energy project aligns with VZI’s objectives of reducing carbon emissions by 35,000 tons and achieving a 76% reliance on renewable energy by 2027, ultimately aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040.
VZI has outlined additional decarbonization plans through its Renewables Energy Programme, including Phase 2, which entails the transmission of energy from offsite generation across Eskom’s transmission line to support Gamsberg Mining operations. Phase 3, focused on expanding Gamsberg Phase II, is currently in its preliminary stages.
Paul Matthews, CEO of Enernet, expressed pride in the partnership with Vedanta and commended the growing commitment of mining companies towards decarbonization and achieving net-zero goals.
Singla concluded by emphasizing the commencement of VZI’s decarbonization journey, aiming for carbon neutrality, sustainable zinc production, and fulfilling their envisioned ESG commitments, which are expected to bring positive impacts to the communities where they operate.
About Enernet Global Inc
Enernet Global’s mission is centered on the decarbonization of global supply chains. They specialize in the ownership and operation of hybrid power systems and actively promote renewable energy, battery storage, and energy efficiency solutions, all aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and cutting power costs. Enernet Global’s Energy-as-a-Service solutions benefit both on-grid and off-grid customers by providing cost-effective and resilient power solutions without the need for capital investment. Operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean, their focus extends to power solutions for customers in the metals and minerals, commercial and industrial, and agriculture sectors.