Saint-Gobain Secures 140 GWh Of Solar Electricity In South Africa Through Pioneering Partnership With CVE

French multinational Saint-Gobain has inked a significant Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with independent renewable energy producer CVE, securing approximately 140 GWh of solar electricity over a 20-year duration in South Africa. This agreement is anticipated to cover nearly 40% of the energy requirements for Saint-Gobain’s four major industrial facilities in the country, specializing in gypsum and mortars production.

The sites are strategically located in Brakpan, Alrode, and Germiston in the Gauteng region, as well as in Parrow, Western Cape. Through this initiative, Saint-Gobain South Africa aims to offset over 6,800 tons of CO2 emissions annually arising from electricity usage (scope 2 emissions).

Othman Benjelloun-Touimi, CEO of Saint-Gobain in Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the PPA, stating, “With this PPA, Saint-Gobain will further reduce its CO2 emissions. This renewable energy project is a new milestone on the way to meeting Saint-Gobain’s commitment to reduce scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 33% by 2030 – compared to 2017 – and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.”

CVE South Africa, known for its focus on decentralized energy projects, particularly self-consumption initiatives for agricultural and industrial clients, played a pivotal role in the development of this PPA. The company’s expertise in forming Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) aligns with Saint-Gobain’s sustainability goals.

René Laks, Country General Manager for CVE South Africa, emphasized, “CVE has developed in-house expertise in forming CPPAs and self-consumption projects. Our business is centred around understanding the needs of our industrial, agricultural and municipal customers. We are proud to support Saint-Gobain’s renewable energy commitment in South Africa.”