- VWGA transitions to renewable energy to avoid power outages and cut environmental impact.
- Investments totalling R100 million drive solar energy adoption, with plans to use 5.6 MWp by year-end.
- Ulrich Schwabe emphasises urgency in shifting to renewables, aligning with VWGA’s global strategy.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) is shifting towards renewable energy to avoid power outages and reduce environmental impact. Recognising fossil fuels’ role in climate change, VWGA aims to achieve carbon neutrality in production by 2030 through its Zero Impact Factory initiative.
Investing R100 million, VWGA plans to use 5.6 MWp of solar energy at its Kariega plant by year-end. It will complete the installation of 3 MWp of solar photovoltaic panels in the employee car park there by September 2024.
This adds to existing rooftop panels totalling 2.6 MWp and 163 kWp at other facilities. According to the World Economic Forum, renewable capacity increased worldwide by 50% last year. The International Energy Agency reports rapid renewable electricity generation capacity expansion, raising hopes of tripling global capacity by 2030.
Ulrich Schwabe, VWGA’s Production Director, stresses the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy. He links the company’s 2030 goal with its global strategy, “Way to Zero,” citing climate change’s impact on biodiversity.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber notes manufacturing accounts for 55% of electricity consumption in Nelson Mandela Bay, where VWGA is based. This underscores renewable energy’s importance in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and fostering sustainability.