Diversified resources group Exxaro Resources has, through its wholly-owned renewable-energy business Cennergi, celebrated the commercial operations date milestone of the Lephalale solar project (LSP), one of the largest behind-the-meter renewable-energy projects in South Africa.
Located near Exxaro's Grootegeluk coal mine in Lephalale, Limpopo, the solar PV facility supplies renewable energy directly to the Grootegeluk mine through the mine’s main substation.
The company on July 15 said this marked a significant achievement for Exxaro's decarbonisation journey and demonstrated the successful execution of its Sustainable Growth and Impact strategy.
The R1.7-billion investment comprises 129 024 solar modules installed across 185 ha, delivering 68 MW alternating current (MWac) at the point of connection.
The facility is designed to generate about 176 GWh/y of clean energy under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Grootegeluk.
