More solar power for Rosh Pinah mine

The Rosh Pinah zinc mine will benefit from Appian Capital Advisory’s decision to acquire a majority stake in the Rosh Pinah Solar Park (RPSP) from Emesco Energy.According to a statement released by Appian on Wednesday, development plans include expanding the plant’s maximum generation capacity from 5.4 MW to 16.3 MW.Additional benefits for the mine include an 8% reduction in energy costs over the next 15 years and meeting up to 30% of its energy demand with clean, renewable solar power.With a fixed-cost tariff agreement in place for the next 15 years, the mine also gains the advantage of predictable energy costs.The statement highlights that the development enhances the mine’s sustainability and reduces its carbon emissions by 14 kt per year – the equivalent of planting 20 000 new trees.The increased solar power supply will support the Rosh Pinah zinc mine’s expansion project, known as RP2.0.According to the statement, the expansion – already 60% complete – will increase the mine’s production from 0.7 million tonnes to 1.3 million tonnes per year.“The transaction is part of Appian’s clean energy strategy, supporting the company’s ambition to make its portfolio carbon-free,” the statement reads.Energy generation boosted Appian further noted that Emesco Energy will continue managing the solar plant and overseeing the expansion.Michael Scherb, founder and CEO of Appian, described the investment as significant for his company, saying it provides “tangible cost benefits to Rosh Pinah Zinc while delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns to our investors.”“This project marks another key step in Appian’s clean energy strategy following the development of our solar operations in Brazil,” he added.Appian is currently developing 20 solar power plants in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil.Emesco’s managing director, Rinus Strydom, also commented on the investment, calling it “a decisive step, not only in expanding RPSP’s renewable energy facility but also in strengthening Namibia’s energy generation sector as a whole.”– augetto@nmh-hub.com.na

More solar power for Rosh Pinah mine

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-03-26

Please login to leave a comment

More solar power for Rosh Pinah mine

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-03-26

Please login to leave a comment

Login