Since its commissioning in June, the PV solar project at vehicle manufacturer and exporter Volkswagen Group Africa’s (VWGA’s) component plant in Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, has successfully generated more than 180.21 MWh, saving the facility about R541 000 in electricity costs to date, while avoiding about 169 t of CO2-equivalent emissions says VWGA sustainability lead Ntsapokazi Ningiza.

This project reinforces VWGA’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

“As part of our broader decarbonisation strategy, we have plans to expand on embedded solar generation through additional solar PV installations where it is feasible to do so, both from a space and a finance perspective,” she adds, noting that these potential installations will not be limited to the Kariega facilities.

The PV project, completed in June 2026, comprises 1 410 solar panels mounted on the roofs of the building and its car park, as well as a ground-mounted portion.

“This facility has a capacity of about 0.88 MWp and is the latest addition to VWGA’s renewable-energy projects,” says Ningiza.

The project was not the first green energy installation, as 40% of Kariega’s energy requirements had already been fulfilled using green sources in 2025.

VWGA previously completed a multi-phase solar panel installation over its employee car park, which included 9 294 panels with a capacity of 5.2 MWp and is capable of producing 7 125 MWh/y.

Additionally, similar solar panel projects were completed on the roof of the VWGA final assembly building with a generating capacity of 1.7 MWp, as well as on top of the engine plant generating 1.0 MWp. Other smaller installations include 0.2 MWp at Product Development and 0.4 MWp at Group Parts warehouse in Centurion, Gauteng.

“We have made significant strides in recent years towards fully sustainable manufacturing,” relays Ningiza.

To monitor and maintain the solar installations, software is used in-house to track performance in real time, while a dedicated service provider conducts scheduled maintenance to ensure maximum yield.

These projects form part of a long-term sustainability roadmap towards achieving carbon-neutral electricity in VWGA’s production operations.