South Africa banks on solar power
To secure its energy future, the Saint-Gobain Sub-Saharan Africa cluster is banking on solar energy. The installation of photovoltaic panels on its main sites in South Africa covers 40% of its electricity needs, avoiding the emission of 6,800 t of CO2 per year.
In South Africa, as elsewhere, securing energy supplies is a major challenge for industry. In response, Saint-Gobain has taken a decisive step in its energy transition by partnering with CVE, an independent French renewable energy producer, and has now installed solar energy systems at its main plants. This 20-year partnership, guaranteeing the supply of 140 GWh of solar electricity, could reduce Group emissions by 6,800 t of CO2 per year.
“With this renewable electricity purchase contract, Saint-Gobain is continuing to reduce its CO2 emissions,” says Othman Benjelloun-Touimi, CEO, Sub-Saharan Africa Region. “This renewable energy project is essential for Saint-Gobain to achieve its commitment to reduce its scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 33% by 2030 compared to 2017, and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.”
This shift to solar power now covers 40% of the electricity needs of Saint-Gobain’s four main sites in South Africa, with the installation work now completed. These major sites represent the Group’s key businesses:
- In Brakpan, the Gyproc site specializes in the production of ceiling panels, as does the Germiston plaster plant.
- The Alrode site, which manufactures waterproofing solutions and tile adhesives.
- And the Parow plant in the Western Cape, dedicated to the production of Weber plaster, plasterboard and tile adhesives.