In a significant move towards enhancing its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Netcare Group has reached a pivotal agreement for a Renewable Energy (RE) Supply Agreement with the NOA Group Trading (NOA), an independent clean energy solutions provider.
The CEO of Netcare, Dr. Richard Friedland, emphasized the importance of this development in the context of the Group’s environmental sustainability strategy, which has been in effect since 2013. Energy efficiency remains a central focus of this strategy, and Netcare has set an ambitious goal of sourcing 100% of its purchased electrical energy from renewable sources by 2030. This aligns with the Race to Zero global campaign and exceeds the Science Based Target initiative’s requirements aimed at limiting global warming.
Phase 1 of this commitment involves six Netcare facilities where renewable energy will be supplied through the electricity grid from a mix of wind and solar farms. This will cover up to 100% of energy consumption at these sites, accounting for approximately 11% of the Group’s total energy usage, which currently relies on predominantly coal-fired power from Eskom.
Dr. Friedland highlighted that Netcare’s management teams are actively exploring solutions to provide renewable energy to the remaining municipal-connected sites within the Group. The environmental sustainability program has already demonstrated a compelling return on investment, showcasing the commercial viability of environmentally conscious engineering initiatives.
Karel Cornelissen, CEO of NOA Group, explained that renewable energy will be delivered to the designated Netcare facilities through the national grid via the existing Eskom distribution transmission network. Delivery of renewable energy to these sites is projected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.
Netcare’s commitment to the Race to Zero global campaign, initiated in 2021, underscores its dedication to promoting a healthy, resilient, and zero-carbon recovery while driving sustainable growth. Dr. Friedland emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and the importance of implementing innovative solutions to combat its devastating effects.
Over the past decade, Netcare has actively engaged in various energy, waste, and water management initiatives. This latest agreement represents another substantial step towards implementing eco-friendly solutions and contributing to a healthier environment for South Africa’s communities in the years and decades ahead.
