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The 50MW Khanyisa solar plant, which cost R715 million to erect, will enhance the sustainability of South Deep and contribute to Gold Fields' long-term commitment to Net Zero. South Deep currently consumes around 494GWh of electricity per year, representing 10 per cent of the mine's annual costs and 93 per cent of its carbon emissions. The solar plant can generate 50MW or 103GWh per year.
The mine's employees chose the name Khanysia, which means "Light Up" in Setswana.
South Deep is currently finalising the commissioning and optimising of the plant. The commissioning process involves balancing the supply and demand of self-generated electricity to fully optimise the plant and ensure maximum benefit.
The new solar plant will have considerable benefits for the social and economic sustainability of South Deep and mitigate negative impacts on the environment. It will significantly reduce the mine's carbon footprint by around 110,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, reduce the mine's reliance on the erratic national grid and dramatically lower energy costs. It will save around R123 m or 24 per cent of electricity costs annually.
In time, the Khanyisa solar plant's capacity will increase to 60MW, unlocking further benefits.
"Not only will the solar plant result in electricity cost savings and reduce our reliance on the erratic national grid, but it will also help to mitigate our impact on climate change. Decarbonisation is vital and the right thing to do.
"We want to be a part of the solution and will continue to drive energy efficiency initiatives; replace grid power with renewables like solar and wind and replace our diesel fleet with battery electric vehicles over time," said Martin Preece, executive vice president of Gold Fields South Africa.
