The €30 million (ZAR 600 million) solar and battery project will provide 20% of Eramet Grande Côte mine’s energy needs, cutting 25,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually and creating over 100 jobs during construction.
JUWI South Africa’s off-grid hybrid solution advances sustainable mining in Africa and supports Senegal’s ambitious clean energy goals.
In a significant step towards sustainable mining in Africa, Eramet Grande Côte, a subsidiary of the French multinational mining and metals company Eramet, and South Africa’s JUWI Renewable Energies have reached financial close on a €30 million (ZAR 600 million) off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage solution for the mine in Diogo, Senegal.
The 20 MWp solar and 11 MWh battery project will provide clean energy to meet 20% of the mine’s energy needs, reduce carbon emissions by 25,000 tonnes annually, and create over 100 jobs during its construction and maintenance phases. The off-grid hybrid installation, among the largest in Senegal, will reduce the mine’s reliance on heavy fuel oil, improve production stability, and align with Eramet’s global decarbonisation strategy. The investment supports the Eramet Group’s Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) roadmap, which aims for a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
In addition to driving sustainable mining, the project plays a crucial role in advancing Senegal’s clean energy transition, with the country aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 7% by 2025. By leveraging JUWI’s expertise in off-grid solar and storage solutions, alongside their engineering capabilities for complex ground conditions, and Eramet Grande Côte and Eramet’s commitment to sustainability, the project sets a new benchmark for innovation in the mining sector.
“Our investment in this solar power plant reflects Eramet Grande Côte’s and Eramet’s commitment to making the decarbonisation of our activities a top priority, in line with the global climate emergency, ” said Frederic Zanklan, CEO, Eramet Grande Côte.
