Sibanye-Stillwater Signs 220 MW Renewable Energy PPA With Etana Energy In South Africa

Sibanye-Stillwater has taken a major step in its clean energy journey by signing a 10-year power purchase agreement with Etana Energy. The agreement, announced in February 2026, will see the mining company procure 220 MW of renewable electricity, equal to nearly 600 gigawatt-hours of power annually, for its gold and platinum group metals operations in South Africa.

The renewable energy will come from a mix of wind and solar projects. The electricity will be supplied through a process known as wheeling, where power generated from renewable plants is fed into the national grid and then transmitted to selected mining sites. This system allows the company to use clean energy without building separate power plants at each of its operations.

The agreement is expected to become operational by late 2027. Once fully implemented, the project is estimated to help avoid around 648,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. This move supports Sibanye-Stillwater’s broader target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. Company officials said the deal will contribute more than 35% of its current renewable energy goal, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability roadmap.

In addition to environmental gains, the company expects financial benefits. By securing long-term power at agreed rates from a private supplier, it aims to reduce electricity costs by 20% to 30% compared to conventional utility tariffs. This is expected to provide better energy price stability and reduce exposure to rising grid power costs.

For Etana Energy, the agreement represents its third major contract with a large mining company, following earlier deals with Tharisa Minerals and Petra Diamonds. The partnership highlights a growing trend in South Africa’s mining sector, where companies are increasingly securing private renewable energy supply to overcome power shortages and support climate commitments.

Industry observers note that such agreements not only strengthen corporate sustainability efforts but also contribute to the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in the country.