With the mining sector increasingly turning to on-site renewable solutions, how is JUWI positioning itself to meet the industry's evolving energy needs?

With nearly 30 years of global experience and 14 years of local presence in South Africa, we bring together international best practices and deep regional expertise. JUWI has completed over 20 off-grid and on-grid renewable energy projects for mines worldwide. A standout example is our hybrid project at Sukari Mine in Egypt, where we deployed our Hybrid IQ microgrid controller – co-developed with Siemens specifically for mining applications.

This advanced system optimizes the integration of solar and battery storage, ensuring reliable, continuous power. Since implementation, Sukari Mine has reduced diesel consumption by an impressive 22 million liters each year and saved millions of dollars. Our priority is to work closely with mining clients to develop tailored energy strategies that align with their unique business objectives, including lowering the levelized cost of electricity, enhancing energy reliability or achieving ESG targets.

Can you provide an update on JUWI’s current solar and hybrid energy projects in Africa, particularly those supporting mining operations?

In South Africa’s Free State province, construction on the Sonvanger solar PV facility started in May 2025. This is a 100 MW grid-connected project that will supply clean energy to Glencore’s ferrochrome smelters through a wheeling agreement. We are working with independent power producer Pele Green Energy on this initiative. The project will achieve commercial operation before the end of 2026.

In Senegal, we are executing the engineering and procurement for an off-grid hybrid energy system at Eramet’s Grand Côte Operations in Diogo. This project combines 20 MWp of solar PV with an 11 MWh battery storage system to meet 20% of the mine’s energy needs. The project will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 25,000 tons annually. The project will be operational before the end of next year.

What total capacity has JUWI installed to date, and what are your future growth targets?

We have constructed just under 500 MW of solar capacity; this will increase to just over 800 MW by the end of next year. Our goal is to maintain approximately 10% of South Africa’s EPC market share, driven by our proven track record and strong local partnerships.

What challenges do companies like JUWI face, and how is your firm addressing them?

Limited grid access and complex permitting processes, which can be time-consuming; project delays due to legal, regulatory and contractual intricacies; and limited availability of skilled professionals and contractors are the key market challenges.

In such a fast-evolving sector, it’s critical to stay ahead of policy shifts and procedural changes. At JUWI, we invest in keeping our teams informed and adaptable, ensuring we can navigate regulatory landscapes effectively. We also plan projects with realism, anticipating potential hurdles and managing client expectations transparently from the outset.

During the Resilient Energy Mix panel at African Mining Week 2025, what key messages did JUWI share, and what were the main takeaways from the discussion?

The discussion underscored that mines integrating renewables effectively are gaining a clear competitive edge by reducing energy costs, improving operational stability and advancing their sustainability goals. The panel also explored the practical challenges of transitioning to renewable energy, including well-known grid constraints and the need for access to low-cost, flexible capital.

Our main takeaway is that execution is just as important as ambition. While investment in renewables by mining companies is expected to accelerate, success depends on working with partners who have deep technical expertise and proven experience in complex environments.