Envusa Energy and Kumba Sign Solar Power Deal to Supply Sishen Mine from 2027
Envusa Energy and Kumba Sign Solar Power Deal to Supply Sishen Mine from 2027. Envusa Energy and Kumba Iron Ore have entered into a new energy offtake agreement that will see the Sishen mine in the Northern Cape supplied with 63MW of renewable electricity from a dedicated solar photovoltaic (PV) facility, marking a significant milestone in the companies’ renewable energy programme.
The first electricity generated by the project is expected to be delivered during the fourth quarter of 2027.
The agreement represents the first embedded renewable energy project to reach this stage under the Envusa Energy programme. The project follows the completion of Envusa’s Koruson 2 cluster, which spans the Eastern and Northern Cape provinces and includes the 240MW MooiPlaats Solar PV project, the 140MW Umsobomvu Wind project and the 140MW Hartebeesthoek Wind project.
The new solar facility will be constructed on the G80 Waste Rock Dump within the Sishen mine boundary. By developing the project on previously disturbed mining land, the companies aim to repurpose the site into energy-generating infrastructure while making productive use of existing mine property.
The solar PV installation has been designed with an installed capacity of 72.5 megawatt-peak direct current (MWp DC) and will deliver 63MW alternating current (AC). According to the companies, the facility has been sized to maximise the project’s net present value through long-term cost savings.
Once operational, the project will increase Kumba’s renewable energy penetration to approximately 45%. This figure includes the 11MW of wheeled renewable energy already being supplied to the company’s Kolomela mine through Envusa’s Koruson 2 cluster since March 2026.
The project also includes a community development component. Employment opportunities will prioritise host communities, while accredited skills training programmes and opportunities for local businesses are expected to form part of the development.
In addition, the Sishen Iron Ore Company Community Development Trust will hold a 10% interest in the Sishen Solar PV project. According to Kumba, the trust’s participation will enable host communities to benefit from dividend flows generated by the renewable energy asset, with proceeds earmarked for initiatives including job creation, education, healthcare, infrastructure, skills development and sustainable livelihoods.
Kumba Chief Executive Officer Mpumi Zikalala said the Sishen Solar PV project is designed to deliver reliable and cost-competitive renewable energy while supporting the company’s ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2030 and contributing to Anglo American’s 2030 climate target.
