The state-of-the-art technology solar farm covers 18 Hectares outside Sasolburg, with over 15,000 panels tracking the sun continuously to absorb maximum energy. Photovoltaic cells convert the sun’s energy to help power the plant’s production of High-Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene. The plant capacity is 160kt of HDPE and 120kt of PP annually.
Nico Van Niekerk, chief executive officer of Safripol said “We will continue to explore further renewable energy solutions, which will allow the business to reduce our carbon-intensive coal-based energy source and ensure energy security for the business going into the future”.
The environment also profits from the utilization of renewable energy with the use of solar power leading to positive reduction in the carbon emissions that fossil fuels produce.
Adhir Bisunder, technology and project manager at Sasolburg, did the specific maths, “This plant will essentially bring around 20 gigawatts of energy. In terms of the CO2 reduction, we’re looking at around 20 to 21,000 tonnes of CO2. That’s equivalent to planting 100,000 trees”.
The Sasolburg Photovoltaic solar plant is a big step on Safripol’s renewable energy pathway.
