- Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (Harmony) has commissioned a 30MW solar photovoltaic plant as a first phase of two at their operations in the Free State.
- The second phase will add a whopping 137MW split in two construction phases.
These plants are currently delivering green electrons to our shafts and expected to deliver approximately 70 gigawatt hours of renewable energy to Harmony’s Free State operations per annum. Phase 1 will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 65 000 tonnes in the first 12 months of operation.
Construction of Phase 2 of our renewable energy programme is expected to commence in December 2023 (“FY24”) and be completed in FY25. Once complete, this will add a further 137MW in renewable energy.
The first 100MW of Phase 2 will be largely funded using the R1.5 billion green loan that was secured in June 2022. The remaining 37MW will be delivered through a power purchase agreement.
We anticipate an estimated saving of R425 million a year in electricity costs once Phase 1 and 2 are complete.
“The renewable energy programme is critical to Harmony as we continue to decarbonise whilst lowering our energy supply risk and alleviating pressure on the national grid. This comprehensive programme will improve our energy mix, ensuring we achieve our goal of becoming net carbon zero by 2045. The allocation of capital towards such sustainable projects further demonstrates our commitment to the environment and decarbonisation as we continue “Mining with Purpose”, said Peter Steenkamp, Harmony CEO.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
