Plastic injection moulding manufacturer Q Plas Manufacturing has launched a solar rooftop PV system at its facility in the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park (NMBLP), in Kariega, in the Eastern Cape.

The company says this significant investment underscores its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and positions the company as a "frontrunner in renewable energy utilisation within the NMBLP”.

The newly installed solar system boasts a 1.2 MW direct current rating, with the capability of generating about 1 600 MWh/y of clean energy.

This initiative is anticipated to yield energy savings exceeding R2-million a year, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency for the company. 

Q Plas Manufacturing says the project received the green light from the Coega Development Corporation, which manages and operates the NMBLP, highlighting a shared vision for a sustainable future and commitment to green energy solutions in the industrial sector.

“The panels occupy 90% of our roof space and generate 1.2 MW during the day when the sun is shining. We need on average 750 kW to 800 kW, so we will be left with a surplus which we will feed back into the grid.

“We estimate that, in the long run, our solar energy will cost roughly half of what we pay for grid electricity,” says Q Plas Manufacturing chief engineer Andreas Pyper.

The company explains that the implementation of the solar PV system aligns with South Africa's national objectives to increase renewable-energy usage and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.

Q Plas Manufacturing says it is proud to contribute to these goals by harnessing renewable-energy sources and setting an example for other manufacturers in the region.

Following the recent Africa Energy Indaba that took place in Cape Town from March 4 to 6, Coega business development executive manager Asanda Xawuka, shared that Coega’s Energy Strategy offers flexibility to its investors in terms of renewable-energy ventures to ensure their business continuity.

“At Coega, we've implemented an Energy Strategy focused on developing renewable energy power plants within our Special Economic Zone. However, the strategy also provides flexibility for investors to ensure security of supply for their premises,” said Xawuka.