Once fully operational in financial year 2028, the projects will deliver more than 1 000 GWh of energy, reduce carbon intensity by 70% and shave about R1-billion a year off its electricity bill.



Dunne said that batteries would allow Northam to extend the solar benefit into the peak tariff periods and thereby maximise savings.

Northam plans to install 250 MW of battery storage at Zondereinde, which would improve energy security and enable peak tariff arbitrage.

“It’s worth noting that peak tariff energy represents only 14% of energy use, but 44% of energy cost. Hence, the arbitrage opportunity,” he explained.

The build programme at Karreebosch has now erected 22 of the 25 towers and remains on track for commissioning next year.

“This particular facility will deliver around 460 000 MWh onto the Eskom grid, and we’ll elect, on a monthly basis, where to apportion this power between the operations. “This will reduce carbon emissions by over half a million tons per annum, and group energy costs by a further 10%,” Dunne reported.

Displayed during the presentation were renewable- energy facilities that included Thakadu, which is scheduled to be commissioned in mid-2027. 

Pointing out the Eland solar and battery site, Dunne said: “We’ve just started clearing for construction here, and this will initially be 20 MW, growing to 40 MW, producing initially 55 MWh of energy, and displacing 60 000 t of carbon per annum.

“At Eland, we have a truly unique opportunity to create the first PGM mine in South Africa operating solely on renewable energy. In addition, Eland is water positive, and we will phase out external water sources before the end of the decade, truly becoming a green mine.

“We are looking for more renewable opportunity. At this stage, we’re only 70% abated on carbon, and there is more we can do but for the moment, that’s the project work we do have,” Dunne added.

A key elements of Northam’s Vision 2031 programme is to cut energy costs by a third.

Northam’s operating profit in financial year 2026 soared by more 293%, with sales revenue rising to a 64%-higher R54-billion at a 140%-higher operating margin.

Basic earnings per share were 824% higher, headline earnings nearly 700% higher, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) were up 239% at R16.6-billion and the Ebitda margin lifted by 107%.