Engie has inked a contract with Scatec to produce green hydrogen for the Mogalakwena platinum mine in the Limpopo province of South Africa.
Under the agreement, Scatec will supply solar photovoltaic energy to Engie over a period of two years. The containerised Release by Scatec solution installed at the Mogalakwena mine will be capable of producing 616 kWp of solar energy.
Pre-assembled and containerised solar PV in the mining industry
“We are proud to support Engie and Anglo American in this important project. This is Scatec’s first involvement in powering hydrogen production, and further demonstrates the potential of pre-assembled and containerised solar PV in the mining industry,” says Hans Olav Kvalvaag, senior vice president Release at Scatec.
The electricity generated will be converted via electrification into green hydrogen to power Anglo American’s facilities. Research and development of this energy source is gaining momentum in South Africa, and elsewhere on the African continent, with projects brought in by major groups such as Siemens, Man, and ENI in Egypt. In South Africa, green hydrogen is also being developed by Sasol. The chemical giant wants to set up green hydrogen transport solutions.
The Mogalakwena platinum is the world’s largest open pit platinum mine in terms of production. It has been operational since 1993 and is expected to reach full production in 2024. It has a mine life of more than 30 years with potential to extend further. The feasibility study for the expansion of mine is ongoing and expected to be completed in 2021. Underground mining options are also being studied as part of the expansion.
