Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has committed to reducing its fossil fuel reliance footprint on the continent, making significant investments in renewable energy to annihilate its carbon impact by 2030.
According to the organization, transitioning to renewable energy is more than just a means to avoid the disruptive effects of power outages for the VWGA, but rather a conscious step towards reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuels.
VWGA is striving to minimise its dependence on fossil fuel energy sources, recognising its effects on global climate change. As South Africa celebrates ‘Energy Month’ in May, VWGA highlights its commitment to become carbon neutral in vehicle and component production by 2030 through its Zero Impact Factory (ZIF) initiatives.
To this end, significant investments totaling US$5.5 million (R100 million) have been made in recent years to transition to renewable energy.
By the end of this year, a total of 5.6MWp (Megawatt Peak) of solar energy will be powering Volkswagen’s manufacturing plant in Kariega- South Africa.
The installation of 3MWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels in the employee car park at the Kariega plant is currently commissioned and is expected to be operational by September 2024.
The latest installation complements the existing 2.6MWp of rooftop PV panels in the vehicle assembly plant and the 163kWp at the component manufacturing plant.
According to the World Economic Forum, the world added 50 percent more renewable capacity last year compared to 2022. The world’s capacity to generate renewable electricity is expanding faster than ever in the last three decades, giving it a real chance of achieving the goal of tripling global capacity by 2030, the International Energy Agency reported.
The largest exporter of passenger cars in South Africa is following the global trend and seeks to lead the transition in the automotive industry not only in SA but across Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA).
Ulrich Schwabe, VWGA Production Director, emphasised the group’s plan towards transitioning to renewable energy. “Our plan to become a Zero Impact Factory by 2030 aligns with our global Group Strategy towards Zero impact. We all witness the effects of climate change and its impact on biodiversity. Our commitment to carbon neutrality reflects the urgency for immediate action,” said Schwabe.
According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, manufacturing in the enclave where VWGA is headquartered, accounts for at least 55 percent of electricity consumption. This highlights the significance of renewable energy sources as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
