Name of the Project
Pilanesberg Platinum Mines (PPM) renewable-energy project.

Location
South Africa’s Limpopo and Western Cape provinces.

Project Owner/s
PPM, a subsidiary of Sedibelo Platinum Mines.

Project Description
PPM signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in March 2022 with a consortium comprising Sturdee Energy Southern Africa and JUWI Renewable Energies to provide PPM with renewable energy. 

Sturdee is developing the Steenbok Solar Farm near Lephalale, in Limpopo. JUWI is developing the Hartebeest Wind Farm located near Moreesburg, in the Western Cape. 

The MoU provides for the supply of 40 MW of power delivered to the mine through a wheeling agreement in terms of a proposed power purchase agreement in Phase 1, with the option to add a further 35 MW in Phase 2. 

In a third phase the construction of a 35 MW solar plant at the mine is proposed. 

Potential Job Creation
None stated.

Capital Expenditure
None stated.

Planned Start/End Date
The 40 MW project is expected to start operating in 2024 and the 35 MW plant operation in 2026.

Latest Developments
Sedibelo Resources has entered into discussions with African Clean Energy Solutions (ACES) for the construction of a solar farm linked into the mine supply behind the Eskom substation/s. This would enable Sedibelo Resources to avoid the wheeling charges. The necessary information has been shared with ACES to be able to compile a proposal and design for PPM’s power requirements. 

Sedibelo Resources intends to have the renewable-energy source operational by 2027.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Sturdee (developer and independent power producer) and JUWI (development, engineering, procurement and construction, and operations and maintenance, contractor).

Contact Details for Project Information
PPM, tel +27 14 555 1800 or email info@ppmsa.co.za.