Etana Energy has concluded a market-leading, flexible renewable energy power purchase agreement (PPA) with Sibanye-Stillwater, marking a significant milestone for large-scale renewable energy adoption in South Africa.
Under the 10-year agreement, Etana Energy, a licensed electricity trader, will supply 600 GWh per year of renewable electricity, equivalent to approximately 220 MW—to Sibanye-Stillwater’s South African gold and platinum group metals operations.
The electricity, generated from a diversified portfolio of solar and wind projects, will be delivered using the national electricity transmission network.
The PPA is designed to integrate seamlessly with Sibanye-Stillwater’s existing long-term bilateral agreements and align with the life-of-mine profile of its operations. Once operational in late 2027, the arrangement is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 648,000 tCO₂e per year, contributing to the company’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.
“Our agreement with Etana Energy adds a material 220 MW equivalent to over 35% of our renewable energy target and takes us closer towards our 2040 carbon neutral goal,” said Richard Stewart, CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater. “Not only does this underscore our sustainability commitments, but it is also expected to provide a lower-cost energy supply for our South African operations.”
Evan Rice, CEO of Etana Energy, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “We’re incredibly proud to have been selected by Sibanye-Stillwater, a global mining juggernaut and sustainability champion, as a renewable energy partner. Large power users are playing a critical role in underpinning investment in new clean energy generation capacity in South Africa. To maximise this potential and the value creation for customers, it’s critical to build solutions around their specific business objectives and operational outlook and provide contractual flexibility that mitigates the risk associated with long-term commitments, which is something we pride ourselves on.”
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Etana Energy has established itself as a key player in South Africa’s renewable energy market, with PPAs signed with more than 20 large electricity users. This latest agreement represents the company’s third long-term PPA with major mining companies, following deals in 2024 with Tharisa Minerals and Petra Diamonds.
The partnership highlights a growing trend of large industrial electricity users in South Africa playing an active role in the country’s energy transition. By securing long-term renewable energy supply, companies like Sibanye-Stillwater not only reduce operational costs but also contribute to national decarbonisation goals and socio-economic development.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around data centers, AI, cloud infrastructure, and energy.
