Chlorine producer NPC Chlorchem and renewable-energy company Terra Firma will undertake another 17.5 MW solar installation at NPC’s main production site, in Kempton Park.

When combined with an existing 10 MW on-site solar plant, the installation will be one of the largest standalone behind-the-meter industrial installations in South Africa.

NPC’s facility is classified as a national key point, reflecting its strategic role in ensuring the supply of safe, clean water to millions of South Africans.

“As South Africa’s essential industries contend with soaring energy costs, an unstable grid and growing pressure to decarbonise, on-site renewables are becoming integral to long-term cost management and operational stability,” NPC states.

The company’s operations are highly energy-intensive, making long-term energy planning and emissions reduction central to its sustainability strategy.

NCP’s solar journey with Terra Firma began in 2023 with a 1.1 MW pilot plant implemented under earlier regulatory caps that limited project size.

Following its success, the company expanded to a 10 MW second phase combining rooftop, carport and ground-mounted systems, which is now in the final stages of commissioning.

A further 17.5 MW is now under construction, bringing total capacity to 27 MW. NPC and Terra Firma plan full completion of the solar installation by the end of 2026, following which the on-site solar will supply a significant share of the site’s electricity demand.

“As a producer of essential chemicals used in water and sanitation, sustainability is central to how we operate,” says NPC MD Schalk Venter.

He adds that working with Terra Firma has allowed NPC to lower its carbon emissions and manage long-term energy costs more effectively.

“It’s a major step in building a more resilient and sustainable future for our operations.”

Terra Firma CEO Grant Berndsen says more large energy users in complex industrial sectors are turning to on-site renewable systems to meet their cost and sustainability targets.

“Supporting a facility as vital as NCP’s, where uninterrupted operations are essential to public health, highlights the importance of getting these projects right,” he states.

Integrating a 27 MW solar system into a live chemical production site demands careful planning and collaboration, with the highest possible safety standards and processes.

“The success of this programme will show how renewables can be delivered effectively within such a high-stakes environment. It sets a benchmark for secure, compliant industrial decarbonisation,” Berndsen concludes.