Eskom to jointly develop solar projects with Exxaro, Seriti
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https://www.miningweekly.com/article/eskom-to-jointly-develop-solar-projects-with-exxaro-seriti-2021-10-25/rep_id:3650
Eskom to jointly develop solar projects with Exxaro, Seriti
Coal miners Exxaro (through it's wholly-owned renewable energy subsidiary Cennergi) and Seriti Resources are joining forces with State-owned power utility Eskom to jointly develop renewable energy projects.
The landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the parties on October 25 spells out the companies’ development plan to lower their carbon footprints.
Additionally, the parties aim to create jobs and re-skilling opportunities for communities living around and working at their respective operations.
Exxaro and Seriti are the largest coal suppliers to Eskom, contributing about 80% of Eskom’s coal supply a year. By implementing renewable energy solutions at their Eskom-tied operations and at related Eskom sites, Seriti and Exxaro aim to achieve both carbon reduction and cost savings in the generation and use of electricity at these mines.
“This is symbiotic with Eskom’s mandate to provide electricity in an efficient and sustainable manner, which includes decarbonising its supply chain,” the companies explain in a statement.
Phase 1 of the envisaged project pipeline will result in the construction of various solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities both on mine sites and at Eskom sites. These may be off-grid or wheeled solutions, or a combination of the two.
The partners aim to start with the projects as soon as possible, subject to regulatory approvals.
Exxaro aims to reduce its emissions by 130 000 t/y at the Matla coal mine, which represents a 70% greenhouse-gas emission saving when the mine is at full production.
Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo says the MoU marks a significant development in South Africa’s energy transition to a low-carbon economy for three of South Africa’s largest players in the mining and energy sectors.
