Buffelspoort project solar energy facility, South Africa – update

20th October 2023 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Buffelspoort project solar energy facility, South Africa – update

Name of the Project
Buffelspoort project solar energy facility.

Location
North West, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Total Eren and Chariot International ave signed a memorandum of understanding with Tharisa to develop, finance, build, own, operate and maintain a solar photovoltaic facility. 

Project Description
The project will generate up to 40 MW of photovoltaic (PV) electricity for Tharisa’s platinum group metals (PGMs) and chrome mine, in Rustenburg.

It will supply electricity to the South African PGMs mine on a minimum 15-year power purchase agreement, and will contribute to Tharisa’s planned reduction of 30% of carbon emissions in 2030.

Chariot Transitional Power will also supply solar power to the 70% Tharisa-owned Karo PGMs mine, in Zimbabwe, at the initial installed capacity of 30 MW, as part of a broader project of 300 MW to be developed over the mine’s evolution.

Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to create jobs for about 200 people, mainly drawn from the local communities.

Capital Expenditure
R1-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
The facility is on track to be completed by the end of 2024.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Chariot Transitional Power and Total Eren (construction contract).

Contact Details for Project Information
Tharisa, tel +27 11 996 3500 or email ir@tharisa.com.
Total Eren, tel +33 140 69 0500 or email contact@total-eren.com.
Chariot International, tel +44 208 434 2754 or email chariot@celicourt.uk.