Empowering Mining: Harnessing Wheeling, Trading and Renewable Energy for Sustainable Success

The Minerals Council South Africa, in collaboration with Enpower Trading and Future Cities Africa present.

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Speakers

• Christian Teffo: Deputy Head of Techno Economics at the Minerals Council South Africa
• Shirley Salvoldi: Corporate Specialist Retail Pricing at Eskom
• Jarredine Morris: Senior Manager at the Carbon Trust
• James Beatty: CEO at Enpower Trading
• Moderated by Simon Le Roux, Trading Manager at Enpower Trading

Webinar summary

The speakers cover the challenges faced by the mining industry due to deindustrialization and depletion of natural resources and the potential solutions provided by renewable technologies, Wheeling and Trading. They emphasise the importance of sustainability in the mining industry through renewable energy investments and the vital need for creating a conducive policy, legislative, and operating environment for investment in the mining industry. In addition, the speakers discuss the performance of the mining industry in South Africa and its contribution to the economy, transport and energy issues, and their potential impact on GDP. They also examine the differences between traditional and virtual Wheeling in the trading of renewable energy, and the benefits and challenges presented by virtual Wheeling in the mining industry. The issue of carbon offsets and credits in the mining industry is also addressed, emphasising the importance of responsible practices and sustainability.

The webinar explores the shift towards renewable energy in the mining industry and the various solutions that can be implemented to achieve this goal. Energy blending is mentioned as a method of achieving a fuller profile of renewable electricity, which can increase renewable penetration from an on-site solar installation to up to 50%. The trading system is also discussed as a solution to resell excess green electrons into the market, creating access to more affordable renewable power for smaller customers. The webinar also touches on the value of using renewable energy for mining, with wheeling being mentioned as a cost-effective solution that can provide cost savings and abatement benefits. Non-energy-related issues such as job creation, ensuring certainty in contracts, and addressing regulatory issues are discussed. Challenges such as great infrastructure limitations and regulatory hurdles are explored. The QA session explored various questions regarding regulations such as the DFF draft regulation, EIA requirements, and agricultural land prioritisation for energy projects, including the impact of specific regulations such as section 53 of the DMRE on renewable energy developers. Finally, the webinar's closing remarks emphasised the importance of collaboration and digitalisation to achieve sustainability in the mining industry.

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