Exxaro, together with its renewable energy solutions subsidiary, Cennergi, officially launched the Lephalale Solar Project (LSP) at a sod-turning ceremony on 16th November 2023, which was attended by the Limpopo Premier, Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha. Construction has already started on the behind-the-meter solar PV plant of utility-scale, located 25km west of Lephalale, and is set to be completed during the first quarter of 2025.
The R1.56bn investment, which is a key part of Exxaro’s Sustainable Growth and Impact strategy, has been designed to produce 68MW hours of clean energy annually and reduce emissions for 25 years.
Four ways the LSP will support Exxaro’s sustainable growth and vision:
Enhances energy security for Grootegeluk Mine and the Lephalale community
Accelerates the decarbonisation of Exxaro’s operations
Lowers energy costs
Supports South Africa’s energy transition pathway
Community engagement and upliftment is a key part of the project, which covers a 236-hectare development in the Waterberg District of Limpopo. At the launch, Leon Groenewald, Managing Director of Energy at Exxaro, highlighted plans to employ 300 to 400 locals during peak construction, along with further plans to foster economic growth in the area.
Limpopo Premier, Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, also praised Exxaro’s commitment to ensuring that a percentage of LSP’s revenue will be invested in the socio-economic upliftment of the local community.
Dr Nombasa concluded the launch by inspiring shared prosperity and sustainable development through harnessing renewable resources. “Together, we can power possibility and create a better tomorrow.”
EXXARO SIGNS LANDMARK AGREEMENT FOR DECARBONISATION
Exxaro, in collaboration with the Council of Geoscience (CGS), has entered into a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will take its decarbonisation efforts to the next level.
The CGS, a National Science Council in South Africa, is tasked with looking after important geological information and knowledge, making it a key partner in Exxaro’s sustainability journey. The joint MOU expresses the intention of both parties to work together on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) initiatives that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The CCUS project is co-funded by the South African government and the World Bank and its partners and is intended to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and energy security.
Dr Nombasa spoke to the importance of this collaboration saying, “We aim to draw on the Council of Geoscience’s knowledge and expertise to promote positive, solutions-driven approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to highlight transformational climate action.”
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