Q PLAS Manufacturing launched its state-of-the-art solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system at its facility in the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park (NMBLP) at Kariega. This significant investment underscores Q Plas’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and positions the company as a frontrunner in renewable energy utilisation within the NMBLP.
The newly installed solar system boasts a 1.2 MW DC rating, capable of generating approximately 1,600 MWh of clean energy annually. This initiative is expected to yield energy savings of over R2 million per annum, thereby contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency for the company.
The project received the green light from the Coega Development Corporation (Coega), which manages and operates the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park, highlighting a shared vision for a sustainable future and commitment to green energy solutions in the industrial sector.
“The panels occupy 90% of our roof space and generate 1.2 MW during the day when the sun is shining. We need on average 750-800 kW, so we will be left with a surplus which we will feed back into the grid,” said Andreas Pyper, chief engineer at Q Plas Manufacturing. “We estimate that in the long run, our solar energy will cost roughly half of what we pay for grid electricity.”
The implementation of the solar PV system aligns with South Africa’s national objectives to increase renewable energy usage and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Q Plas Manufacturing said it is proud to contribute to these goals by harnessing renewable energy sources and setting an example for other manufacturers in the region.
Following the recent Africa Energy Indaba that took place in Cape Town, Coega’s executive manager for business development, Asanda Xawuka, said that Coega’s energy strategy offers flexibility to its investors in terms of renewable energy ventures to ensure their business continuity.
“At Coega, we’ve implemented an energy strategy focused on developing renewable energy power plants within our Special Economic Zone (SEZ). However, the strategy also provides flexibility for investors to ensure security of supply for their premises,” said Xawuka.
Q Plas said it invites partners, stakeholders and the broader community to join in the pursuit of sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment.
