Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) has pledged to invest R251 million for the renewable energy sector in South Africa.
The company made such a commitment during the recent fifth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC).
According to Rheinmetall, it plans to be recognized as an energy supplier for South Africa. It has focused on “the export market focusing on the localization of solar farms, the export of green hydrogen, and the production of mobile green hydrogen plants as independent power solutions for various applications, including field hospitals, military field camps, and rural energy needs,” a local report mentioned.
In South Africa, the company has made its presence with the first 5 MW solar power plant. The project located in the Western Cape will be completed by the end of 2023.
To be noted, the company has a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2035.
According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the R1.2 trillion investment target over five years had been exceeded, and additional R1.5 trillion had been pledged. “The next goal is to motivate investments of R2 trillion by 2028,” he stated.
The pledges are mostly made for new data centres and developing renewable energy projects to supply the data centres in South Africa.
Rheinmetall Denel Munition CEO Jan Patrick Helmsen was quoted in a statement, “Next to our export rate of 99%, we want to become the energy partner for South Africa to support resolving the energy crisis. We remain committed to contributing to South Africa’s future through investing in technology, especially renewable energy and infrastructure, and developing and upskilling our people in South Africa.”
