Does South Africa's gold fields have a solar power plant?

[1/4]A new solar power plant is seen in front of a mine-head as South Africa's Gold Fields bets on solar to cut costs and carbon, at Gold Fields' South Deep mine, south-west of Johannesburg, South Africa October 12, 2022. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko Purchase Licensing Rights

How will gold fields' solar plant benefit South deep?

The R715 million ($38 million) solar plant will enhance the sustainability of South Deep and contribute to Gold Fields’ long-term commitment to Net Zero. Gold Fields is aiming for 30% of renewable energy by 2030 and to be carbon neutral by 2050.

What is Khanyisa solar PV?

Construction of the 50 MW Khanyisa solar PV plant at Gold Fields’ South Deep Mine in South Africa has just been completed. Khanyisa means Light Up in Setswana. The name was chosen by the people of South Deep. South Deep is in the process of finalizing the commissioning and optimizing of the plant.

Will a new solar power plant supply 24% of South Africa's electricity?

WESTONARIA, South Africa, Oct 13 (Reuters) - A new solar power plant at Gold Fields' (GFIJ.J) South Deep mine near Johannesburg, will supply 24% of its electricity, the South African miner said on Thursday, adding they are also exploring wind power as companies across the country seek to curb their reliance on state power utility Eskom.

How much electricity does gold fields generate a year?

The solar plant will generate 103 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity a year, about a quarter of the mine's annual power usage, and a Gold Fields executive said the mine has contacted Eskom about selling surplus power back into the grid.

How will a solar plant benefit South deep?

The R715m solar plant will enhance the sustainability of South Deep and contribute to Gold Fields’ long-term commitment to Net Zero. South Deep currently consumes around 494GWH of electricity per year which represents 10% of the mine’s annual costs and 93% of its carbon emissions. The solar plant can generate 50MW or 103GWh/year.