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Kariega|Volkswagen Group Africa|Commercial Vehicles|Energy Transition|Renewable Energy|Solar Power|Ulrich Schwabe|Eastern Cape
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kariega|volkswagen-group-africa|commercial-vehicles|energy-transition|renewable-energy|solar-power|ulrich-schwabe|eastern-cape

Volkswagen Group Africa completes solar installation at Kariega component plant

Volkswagen Group Africa plant in Kariega

Volkswagen Group Africa plant in Kariega

17th July 2026

By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Creamer Media Online Writer

     

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Automotive manufacturer Volkswagen Group Africa has announced the completion of a solar PV project at its components plant in Kariega, in the Eastern Cape.

This move, the company highlights, reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

Volkswagen Group Africa highlights that the project, which was completed in June, comprises 1 410 solar panels mounted on the roofs of the company’s building and car park in Kariega, as well as a ground-mounted portion.

The company adds that this facility has a capacity of about 0.88 MW, and forms part of the latest addition of Volkswagen Group Africa’s renewable-energy projects.

“We have made significant strides in recent years towards fully sustainable manufacturing. As a company we remain committed towards practices that are responsible and sustainable, and our work in increasing our green footprint is never done,” says Volkswagen Group Africa production director Ulrich Schwabe.

Previously, Volkswagen Group Africa completed a multi-phase solar panel installation over its employee car park, which included 9 294 panels with a capacity of 5.2 MW – capable of producing 7 125 MWh/y.

The company adds that similar solar panel projects were completed on the roof of the final assembly building with a capacity of 1.7 MW and an engine plant with a capacity of 1 MW.

Notably, in 2025, Volkswagen Group Africa says, the Kariega plant relied on green energy sources for 40% of its energy requirements.

The company concludes that projects like these form part of Volkswagen Group Africa’s long-term sustainability roadmap towards achieving carbon-neutral electricity in its production operations.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Online Managing Editor

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