The Ergo Solar Plant has secured a grid connection certificate from Eskom, with a combined capacity of 187 MW. This R2.8-billion investment—including 133,000 solar panels and 43 batteries—enhances energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions, while its battery backup ensures stable operations.
Ergo Solar Plant and Its Battery-Powered Stability
As part of DRDGOLD’s gold tailings retreatment operation, the Ergo Solar Plant is a major milestone for sustainable energy. Officially named the Tshedza Solar Farm (meaning “let there be light” in Venda), the R2.8-billion solar-powered system reflects Ergo’s commitment to greater energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
The ability to run on battery power while maintaining grid connectivity is crucial for the ergo plant’s stability. According to Ergo COO Jaco Schoeman, the batteries can prevent operations from halting for four to five hours—a critical capability given the continuous flow of gold-bearing slurry from areas up to 50 kilometers away, including Soccer City.
During daylight hours, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., the plant generates surplus solar power for the grid. At night, battery-stored power can also be redirected into the grid, maximizing the plant’s efficiency and return on investment. “If needed, we’re in a position to do so,” said Schoeman, explaining how the plant could increase its contribution to the grid.
Offsetting Power Across Ergo’s Accounts
A key advantage of the Ergo Solar Plant’s grid connection is its ability to offset surplus power across various DRDGOLD accounts. Schoeman noted, “In total, we’ve got about 29 Eskom and municipal accounts at Ergo. We’re not selling power to third parties; it’s all in-house consumption, offset against our other accounts.”
A primary goal of the solar plant is to significantly reduce DRDGOLD’s carbon footprint. The Tshedza circuit alone is expected to cut group CO2 emissions by 52%. With future expansions planned—including the Far West Gold Recoveries operations—DRDGOLD is also pursuing additional solar projects to keep emissions as low as possible.
The bifacial solar panels contribute to energy efficiency by capturing sunlight from both sides, a design that boosts electricity output by 18% through ground reflection. With high hail resistance and tracking capabilities, the panels are built for durability and optimized solar capture.
To streamline operations, each panel is barcoded with its output capacity and activation date, and maintenance is supported by agreements with manufacturers to protect their warranties.
Community Benefits and Job Creation
Beyond its environmental impact, the Ergo Solar Plant brings economic benefits to the surrounding community. More than 250 local residents were hired for panel installation and cable laying, and a R15-million contract for a maintenance warehouse was awarded to support local businesses, reflecting a socially responsible approach that emphasizes health and safety.
Carbon Works, a company dedicated to the plant’s management and maintenance, now oversees ongoing operations as part of Ergo’s management team. This partnership has enabled Ergo to upskill team members initially involved in the ergo plant’s design and construction, ensuring that those who built the solar plant are also fully equipped to operate it.
With 187 MW of capacity, battery-backed stability, and cost-offsetting across accounts, the Ergo Solar Plant showcases DRDGOLD’s renewable energy goals. The Tshedza Solar Farm’s local focus and CO2 reduction targets also reflect the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility in its energy solutions.
As South Africa moves toward similar solar initiatives, the Ergo Solar Plant serves as an inspiring model for regions with high solar potential, demonstrating how renewable energy can drive both environmental and economic growth.
