Anglo American joins forces with EDF Renewables to power South Africa

In a groundbreaking move to spearhead sustainable energy initiatives in South Africa, mining giant Anglo American has announced a strategic partnership with EDF Renewables SA, a subsidiary of French Utility Company EDF Group, to establish a new renewable energy company named WUSA Energy. The primary objective of this collaboration is to establish a regional renewable energy ecosystem, starting with the development of a 600-megawatt wind and solar pipeline. This initiative aims to bolster the energy requirements of Anglo American's operations across its numerous mines in the region. The partnership marks a significant step towards addressing the energy needs of the mining industry while embracing environmentally friendly practices. The genesis of this partnership can be traced back to Anglo American's visionary climate strategy, which set a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Recognizing the energy-intensive nature of the mining sector, the company sought innovative solutions to transition towards renewable sources of energy. In light of South Africa's heavy reliance on coal as a primary energy source, Anglo American identified the need to proactively contribute to the country's energy transition. This led to the formation of WUSA Energy, a joint venture that embodies the shared values and commitment to sustainability of both partners. The unique feature of WUSA Energy lies in its holistic approach towards renewable energy generation. By capitalizing on the abundant solar and wind resources in South Africa, the company aims to create a diverse energy portfolio that ensures a stable and continuous power supply. By integrating multiple renewable energy sources across various sites within and beyond South Africa, WUSA Energy envisions an interconnected energy network that can sustain the energy demands of multiple mining operations round the clock. Looking ahead, the newly formed entity will operate as a partnership where Anglo American and EDF Renewables will hold equal shares. While the Chief Operating Officer will be appointed from EDF Renewables to leverage their expertise in power generation, key management positions will be filled by personnel from Anglo American. Additionally, plans are underway to involve Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) partners who will acquire a stake in WUSA Energy, further diversifying the ownership structure. As WUSA Energy embarks on its renewable energy journey, discussions regarding its long-term trajectory are already underway. While the company is set to be incorporated in Johannesburg, there are no immediate plans for a public listing. Instead, the focus remains on establishing a solid foundation for the company's operations and ensuring a seamless integration of the two parent companies' expertise and resources. The partnership between Anglo American and EDF Renewables signifies a pivotal moment in the renewable energy landscape of South Africa. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation, WUSA Energy is poised to revolutionize the energy sector and set new benchmarks for eco-friendly practices in the mining industry.