14 AUGUST 2024
South32 has partnered with Solana Energy to bring solar energy to one of South Africa’s most important commercial hubs to build operational resilience.
Launched in FY23, the multi-phased project involves the establishment of solar power infrastructure in the Richards Bay and King Cetshwayo District economic regions, which is expected to add between 2 to 2.5MW of renewable energy capacity to the local grid.
An important part of the project is the establishment of a Solar Training Academy at the South32 Enterprise and Supplier Development Centre in Richards Bay; to upskill young electricians in the field of solar PV technology.
In FY24, the partnership has delivered the following important milestones:
Provided training to 120 unemployed young people and 10 small Black-owned electrical businesses providing them with the essential skills to be accredited as solar installers;
Created a total of 70 direct jobs and created work opportunities for an additional 40 young people through the Solana Accredited Installer program;
Commenced a ten-year pilot to install residential solar systems to 270 homes, that will generate income annually;
Installed 1.6MW of solar panels, 2.4MW of battery storage and 2.3MW of inverter capacity in businesses in Richards Bay; and
Installed solar systems for seven community organisations funded by South32.
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