Exxaro Resources has brought its first utility-scale self-generation solar project into commercial operation.
Even as Eskom reports its strongest winter power system performance in years, with no load shedding projected for the remainder of winter, Exxaro Resources has brought its first utility-scale self-generation solar project into commercial operation.
Developed by Exxaro's wholly owned renewable energy business, Cennergi, the Lephalale Solar Project is a 68MW alternating current behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic facility at the company's Grootegeluk Mine in Limpopo.
The 185-hectare plant comprises 129,024 solar panels and is designed to generate approximately 176GWh of renewable energy annually, supplying power directly to the mine and reducing its reliance on grid electricity during daylight operating hours.
Based on Exxaro's stated annual generation, the project would produce enough electricity each year to power about 16,000 average South African households, illustrating the scale of demand it will remove from the national grid during daylight hours.
