From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Beermaker Heineken unveiled its grid-based 6.5MW solar power plant at the company’s Sedibeng Brewery in Midvaal last month which will supply 30% of its power consumption as part of the company’s Brew A Better world strategy. Nadine Ramdass tells us more.

Nadine Ramdass:

The 19ha grid-based, solar power plant project was in partnership with SOLA Group and involved the construction of 14 000 panels which will generate 17 000 MWh/y. The project forms part of Heineken’s goal to be net-zero in its production process by 2030.

Heineken regional corporate affairs director David Paterson and sustainability and strategic project manager Richard Kriel tells us more.

Sustainability and strategic project manager Richard Kriel:

Nadine Ramdass:

The plant was constructed in about seven months and began supplying power to the brewery in May following its completion. Heineken and SOLA Group have entered a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement. SOLA Group owns and will maintain the power plant during the 15-year period. However, the plant itself has an expected lifespan of 25 years

The project fits into Heineken’s larger sustainability goals.

Heineken regional corporate affairs director David Paterson:

Nadine Ramdass:

While working towards its net-zero target in the production process, Heineken has started discussions with its suppliers and customers to understand their carbon footprint as well as how it can be addressed and subsequently reduced. The company has a goal to reduce its carbon footprint in its complete value chain by 30% by 2030 and will take bigger steps to meet its 2040 goal.

Sustainability and strategic project manager Richard Kriel:

Nadine Ramdass:

Both representatives expressed their pride at having completed the project and excitement for the company’s future steps towards becoming a sustainable company.

Heineken regional corporate affairs director David Paterson:

Sashnee Moodley:

As it celebrates 35 years of operation, private rail operator Traxtion is bullish about the future of the country and Africa’s rail industry, with the hope that new policies will enable the company to build on the growth it has achieved thus far. Tasneem Bulbulia tells us more.

Tasneem Bulbulia:

October saw Traxtion commemorating its thirty-fifth birthday, with the operator noted to have grown from small beginnings to become a considerable player on the continent. Traxtion CEO James Holley expands.

Traxtion CEO James Holley:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

Holly outlines the company’s investments in the country.  

Traxtion CEO James Holley:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

Holley also expands on the company’s outlook.  

Traxtion CEO James Holley:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

Holley also touches on the importance of the recently approved White Paper on the National Rail Policy.

Traxtion CEO James Holley:

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.