Mining firm Sibanye Gold Ltd. is looking at solar power as one way for it to become energy-independent “over the next few years” in an effort to alleviate the need for South Africa’s Eskom and its inconsistent power supply.
The company is considering investing in solar power and building its own coal-fired plants of 200 MW to 600 MW it said in a statement. The investment in solar power would cost about $258 million and generate 150 MW, Sibanye said. The company’s overall demand is 500 MW the statement said.
The need for its own supply is based on “Ongoing delays at Eskom’s new capacity-build projects and a lack of critical maintenance at its existing stations has resulted in regular supply interruption, which is likely to continue for the foreseeable future,” Sibanye said.