- ArcelorMittal reports that a feasibility study into a fully-funded 200 MW renewable energy solution is nearing completion with early-construction work scheduled for 2023 Q4 for Vanderbijlpark Works.
- The solar project will ajoin the steel works plant and feed directly in to the plant substation.
- Progress has also been made on numerous power purchase agreements with third party renewable energy providers but no specifics were given.
- The steel giant made the announcements delivering their latest financial results this past week.
- ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd (AMSA) remains South Africa’s third worst greenhouse gas emitter, responsible for about 3% of the country’s emissions.
- The steelmaker has a long history of toxic air pollution, land and water contamination and a dismal record of engagement with communities and workers affected by the company’s violations. Read more
In April last year ArcelorMittal announced feasibility studies were under way for 2 x 100MW renewable energy projects in line with its carbon intensity reduction targets. One project was intended for Cape Town and the other for for Vanderbijlpark Works. Read more
“This is an important step in our decarbonisation journey and takes advantage of the changes to legislation announced by the South African government last year, which allow private investors to build their own power plants with up to 100 megawatts of generating capacity without requiring a license,” says Kobus Verster, Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal South Africa at the time. “Our path to renewable energy is now well underway.”
The worsening of reliable energy supply in South Africa from the country’s state owned energy utility, Eskom, has put immense pressure on heavy power users like ArcelorMittal to look at alternative sources. Read more
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
