JSE-listed chemicals group AECI has installed and commissioned a 1 MW solar project at Chem Park, its AECI Chemicals manufacturing site, in Johannesburg.

The Chem Park project marks the first stage of a four-phase solar programme approved by the AECI executive committee in 2021, and the company plans to eventually install 14.3 MW solar capacity at selected AECI operating sites in South Africa.

The project is in line with AECI’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) and broader sustainability targets, which include reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and limiting its carbon footprint.

In addition, these initiatives strengthen the company’s ability to supply product and services to its customers in South Africa.

Another two renewable energy installations are scheduled for commissioning at major production facilities within the first quarter of 2024.

AECI Mining Chemicals, in Sasolburg, is scheduled to bring a 1.5 MW project online, while AECI Mining Explosives, in Modderfontein, will commission a 4 MW project.

“Both sites play key roles in our country’s mining sector value chain. The decrease in the use of fossil fuels contributes to the positive effect on the overall carbon footprint of this industry,” says AECI CE Holger Riemensperger.

“Climate change is one of the most complex and pressing issues facing humanity today and global understanding of the phenomenon continues to evolve.

“It is critical that businesses devise appropriate response strategies. AECI, therefore, remains committed to pursuing a greener business footprint and delivering sustainable solutions for a better world,” he adds.

Phase 1 of the group's solar programme will see solar electrification of key areas, and phase 2 will see the scaling up of solar electrification to required capacity for key identified areas.

Phase 3 will include an assessment of battery storage, energy generation and distribution, and phase 4 will see the company move to green energy supply through photovoltaic electrolysis and green ammonia through available land use.