Key Points
- Sibanye-Stillwater renewable energy will replace 30% of Eskom power.
- Wind and solar projects will cut 1.5 million tons of emissions.
- Renewable energy costs are up to 30% cheaper than Eskom.
Sibanye-Stillwater has set an ambitious goal to replace 30-percent of its Eskom power supply with low-cost renewable energy by 2027.
The mining company has built a 600 MW pipeline of solar and wind projects to drive this shift.
The Castle Wind Farm near De Aar, Northern Cape, is already online. It has generated 56 GWh of power since March, avoiding 57,000 tons of CO₂ emissions and saving R22 million by June 30.
“Through large-scale solar and wind projects, we are reducing costs, cutting emissions, and improving energy security,” said outgoing CEO Neal Froneman.
Four major projects will transform Sibanye-Stillwater renewable energy supply
By the end of 2026, three wind farms and one solar plant will supply 407 MW of capacity. These include the Castle Wind Farm (89 MW), Witberg Wind Farm (103 MW), Umsinde Wind Farm (140 MW), and the Springbok solar PV project (75 MW).
Together, these projects are forecast to reduce emissions by 1.5 million tons of CO₂ annually. Power will be supplied through 15-year agreements with independent producers under Eskom’s wheeling system.
The renewable energy costs are expected to be 15% to 30% cheaper than Eskom’s tariffs, giving Sibanye-Stillwater a long-term financial advantage.
Green energy shift marks leadership change at mining giant
The move toward Sibanye-Stillwater renewable energy also highlights a new chapter for the company. After more than 12 years as CEO, Neal Froneman handed leadership to Richard Stewart on September 30.
Froneman expanded Sibanye-Stillwater beyond gold into platinum group metals, battery minerals, recycling, and tailings reprocessing.
Stewart, who holds a PhD in geology, previously served as chief operating officer and chief regional officer for Southern Africa.
Sibanye-Stillwater says the renewable shift not only strengthens its operations but also contributes to global climate action.
