Sibanye-Stillwater has signed a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Etana Energy to supply renewable electricity to its mining operations across South Africa, marking a major step in the company’s drive to reduce carbon emissions and transition away from fossil fuel-based power.
Under the agreement, Etana Energy will provide approximately 600 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable electricity annually, equivalent to around 220 megawatts (MW) of power capacity. The supply will be sourced from a combination of solar and wind energy projects, with delivery expected to commence in late 2027.
The electricity will be transmitted via wheeling, a system in which renewable energy is fed into the national grid and then delivered to Sibanye-Stillwater’s mining sites. This approach allows the company to access clean power without building on-site generation facilities at each location.
The PPA supports Sibanye-Stillwater’s carbon neutrality target for 2040, helping the company reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 648,000 tonnes starting in 2028. Beyond environmental benefits, the agreement also offers financial stability, providing long-term, cost-predictable energy amid South Africa’s rising electricity prices and supply challenges.
Executives from both companies highlighted the flexibility of the agreement, which is designed to complement Sibanye-Stillwater’s existing power contracts and align with the lifespan of its mining operations. For Etana Energy, this marks its third major agreement with a large mining company; the firm is supported by international investors, including Chariot Limited.
The deal reflects a growing trend in South Africa’s industrial sector, where large energy consumers are increasingly securing renewable energy through private PPAs rather than relying solely on traditional utilities. Such agreements provide operational stability while supporting the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure across the country.
