Global explosives and chemicals solutions company, AECI, has successfully completed and commissioned its Modderfontein Solar Park, a key project in the company’s ongoing commitment to move towards operational sustainability. The 4 MW facility at Modderfontein is now fully operational, playing a pivotal role in AECI’s larger vision of reducing its reliance on traditional energy sources across its operations.
Further to this, its Sasolburg Solar Park has been commissioned for testing with a total capacity of 1,5 MW.
Together with the already successful operating Chempark Solar Park (1 MW capacity), AECI has now installed a total of 6,5 MW of Solar PV capacity, cementing its position as one of the top five largest solar energy installations by a mining entity in South Africa. This makes AECI a leader not only in the explosives and chemicals sector but also a trailblazer in driving sustainable energy solutions in the mining industry.
This solar capacity expansion aligns with AECI’s future to make strategic moves towards economic resilience. With the looming ‘gas cliff’ and the projected increase in conventional energy costs, transitioning to renewable energy sources positions AECI for long-term self-sufficiency. The continued investment in solar energy reflects AECI’s understanding that while renewable energy costs are expected to decline, reliance on traditional energy sources will only become more expensive.
“These renewable energy initiatives represent a major shift in the way we power our operations, particularly in the manufacturing sector. With the Modderfontein Solar Park now online, AECI strengthens its ability to deliver energy-efficient products and services while underscoring our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. This is a critical step in supporting the broader sustainability goals of South Africa’s industrial and mining sectors,” says Holger Riemensperger, CEO of AECI.
The projects form part of AECI’s four-phase solar programme, launched in 2021, which aims to ultimately generate 14,3 MW of solar power annually across various operational sites in South Africa.
AECI is also working towards enabling green energy supply through PV electrolysis and green ammonia production through available land use.
