Tharisa Accelerates Decarbonization Strategy With New Wind And Solar Agreement In South Africa

Tharisa plc, a dual-listed mining, metals, and innovation company on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, has signed a significant Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Etana Energy Proprietary Limited to secure wheeled renewable energy for the Tharisa Mine in South Africa. This 15-year agreement aims to provide up to 44% of the Tharisa Mine’s electricity needs from wind and solar farms in the Western and Northern Cape starting in 2026.

This agreement complements Tharisa’s existing 40 MW solar power project developed with TotalEnergies Renewables South Africa and Chariot Transitional Power South Africa, which will supply 30% of the mine’s energy needs. Combined, these initiatives will enable Tharisa to achieve 76% renewable energy use by 2026, helping the company reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030.

Lucien Matthews, Executive Special Projects of Tharisa, emphasized the importance of this project for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and achieving sustainability goals. Evan Rice, CEO of Etana Energy, highlighted the value of long-term partnerships in rapidly transitioning to low-carbon energy.

Tharisa’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and developing sustainable energy solutions reflects its broader strategy of creating a sustainable resource company for the future. The company’s principal asset, the Tharisa Mine, is located in South Africa’s Bushveld Complex and has a significant lifespan with substantial underground resources.