KARIEGA – Volkswagen Group Africa has added an additional 3 megawatt (MW) solar power to its grid, bringing the total output of renewable energy to 5.9 MW. This is enough energy to power at least 2 000 two-bedroom houses fitted with geysers and using electrical appliances.
The total number of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels across the company now stands at 12 097 of which 5 710 panels were recently installed in the employee car park. The first phase started two years ago with 3 030 panels on the Engine Plant roof and 3 136 panels on the Final Assembly building roof. More PV panels are planned to be installed during the next phase.
Volkswagen Group Africa has invested close to R100 million in solar energy to date. The renewable energy share at the company has increased from 1.5% in 2018 to 17.1% in 2023, which reduces the reliance on electricity supplied by the municipality. The combined solar energy capacity can save approximately 7 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per year.
Ulrich Schwabe, Volkswagen Group Africa’s Production Director, said that the reduction in dependence on fossil fuels which is projected to reach 23% by 2025, highlights Plant Kariega’s goal to be a Zero Impact Factory by 2030. “Our efforts to reduce carbon emissions are in line with Volkswagen Group’s global Go To Zero Environmental Strategy, aimed at achieving carbon-neutrality which is aligned with the Paris Agreement. As a result, all Volkswagen Group plants are highly focused on decarbonisation, with renewable energy playing a key role in this effort,” said Schwabe.
He added that between 2010 and 2023, the electricity usage per vehicle manufactured has decreased by 54%. These were achieved through various initiatives such as an effective Demand Side Management plan. “We are consistently monitoring processes and influence mindsets towards energy consumption, such as air conditioner usage,” Schwabe added.
Energy usage reduction is one of several environmental indicators that paves Volkswagen’s way to zero impact. Since 2010, Plant Kariega’s environmental impact has improved by 57.7%, which includes reduction in energy consumption, water, waste, solvent and carbon emissions.
Find Business Accommodation in Gqeberha HERE
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a beautiful city located on the coast in the Eastern Cape Province and is known as the “Friendly City”, with other towns in this district including Kariega (Uitenage) and Despatch. Forming part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Gqeberha has stunning beaches, historical museums and memorials, award-winning wildlife sanctuaries and super friendly people, making it a spectacular holiday destination.
Watch a Random Port Elizabeth video:
pearl girl
Anton Rupert – Dr. Anton Rupert founded the Rembrandt Group in the 1940s. After initially focusing on the tobacco industry (Peter Stuyvesant), his company soon moved into industrials and luxury goods. Rembrandt has since been split into Remgro (an investment company with financial, mining and industrial interests) and Richemont (a Swiss-based luxury goods group). Rupert was also a founding member of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in the 1960s. His son Johan has since turned Richemont into one of the largest luxury goods companies in the world.