The Ergo Solar Plant has secured a grid connection certificate from Eskom, with a combined capacity of 187 MW. This R2.8-billion investment — featuring 133,000 solar panels and 43 batteries — enhances energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions while ensuring stable operations through battery-powered backup.
Ergo Solar Plant and Its Battery-Powered Stability
The Ergo Solar Plant — part of DRDGOLD’s gold tailings retreatment operation — has secured a grid connection certificate from Eskom, marking a major milestone for sustainable energy. With its extensive array of 133,000 solar panels and 43 batteries, the plant delivers a combined installed capacity of 187 MW.
This solar-powered system, named the Tshedza Solar Farm (meaning "let there be light" in Venda), represents a R2.8-billion investment and reflects Ergo’s push toward energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
Running the Ergo Solar Plant on battery power while maintaining grid connectivity is key to stability. According to Ergo COO Jaco Schoeman, the batteries prevent operations from halting for four to five hours due to the continuous flow of gold-bearing slurry from areas up to 50 kilometers away, including Soccer City.
During the daylight hours, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., the solar plant generates additional 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
One unique advantage of the Ergo Solar Plant’s grid connection is the 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.”
One of the primary goals 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 — including the Far West Gold Recoveries operations — DRDGOLD is planning additional solar projects to keep emissions as low as possible.
The solar panels themselves — known as bifacial panels — further contribute to energy efficiency by capturing sunlight from both sides. This design boosts electricity output by 18% from ground reflection. The panels feature high hail resistance and tracking capabilities for durability and optimized solar capture. Each panel is barcoded with its output capacity and activation date, with maintenance supported by agreements with manufacturers to protect warranties.
Community Benefits and Job Creation
Beyond its environmental impact, the Ergo Solar Plant also brings economic benefits to the surrounding community. Over 250 local community members were hired for panel installation and cable laying. In addition, a R15-million contract for a maintenance warehouse was awarded as part of a socially responsible approach to support local businesses and emphasize health and safety.
Carbon Works — a company dedicated to the plant’s management and maintenance — now supports the plant’s ongoing operations as part of Ergo’s management team. This operation has enabled Ergo to upskill team members who were initially involved in the plant's design and construction, thereby ensuring that those who built the solar plant are also fully equipped to operate it.
The Ergo Solar Plant showcases DRDGOLD’s renewable energy goals with 187 MW of capacity, battery-backed stability, and cost-offsetting across accounts. The Tshedza Solar Farm’s local focus and CO2 reduction targets reflect DRDGOLD’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility in its energy solutions.
As South Africa takes steps 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.