Tronox Holdings plc, the world’s leading integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment, revealed a long-term power purchase agreement with NOA Group, an integrated energy utility.
This agreement covers approximately 497 GWh of energy from wind and solar power plants with a capacity exceeding 200 MW. The renewable energy will power Tronox’s mines and smelters in South Africa through fixed and flexible arrangements. The project is expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2027, reducing Tronox’s global Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by an additional 12%.
This announcement is part of Tronox’s ongoing efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It follows a 200 MW solar power agreement with SOLA Group, fully implemented as of April 2024, which provides power to Tronox’s operations and benefits the local community.
With the completion of the latest project, around 70% of Tronox’s electricity needs in South Africa will be met by renewable energy, cutting in-country emissions by 54%. Tronox is also pursuing renewable energy projects in other countries, including a partnership with Pacific Energy in Australia to deliver a hybrid power system for its Atlas-Campaspe mine in New South Wales.
“NOA is extremely excited to partner with Tronox in delivering on their long-term decarbonization strategy through an innovative product that blends both wind and solar generation to optimize renewable energy penetration,” remarked NOA’s Chief Executive Officer, Karel Cornelissen.
Tronox’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Investor Relations, Jennifer Guenther, added, “Tronox’s renewable energy agreements with SOLA and NOA will reduce our global Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% compared to our 2019 baseline, marking significant progress on our decarbonization roadmap towards net zero carbon emissions.
Transitioning from coal-based to renewable power in South Africa and implementing innovative technologies at their sites, Tronox is safeguarding land, water, air, and ecosystems while investing in products, people, and communities.
Preserving their operational privileges is crucial for their current and future strategy. Tronox plans to outline key initiatives across emissions and waste reduction, water management, social initiatives, and more in their upcoming 2023 Sustainability Report, expected to be published in the coming weeks.
