Atlantis Foundries unveils 13 MW Solar Farm to Enhance Energy Security and Sustainability

Atlantis Foundries, one of Africa’s largest foundry operations, has officially launched its 13.5 MW embedded solar generation project to secure energy security, enhance cost efficiency, and significantly reduce carbon emissions. The system, designed, financed, built, and operated by engineering firm Energy Partners, is expected to generate over 20,000 MWh per year, supplying up to 20% of the foundry’s energy needs and producing electricity worth more than R35 million per year at current Eskom tariffs.

Speaking at the unveiling, Atlantis Foundries CEO Pieter du Plessis emphasized the importance of the project in maintaining the company’s global competitiveness. “This project strengthens our resilience and ensures we remain globally competitive. We could not have done it alone. Reliable partnerships are essential to projects of this scale, and we’re proud of the remarkable collaboration between Atlantis Foundries, the City of Cape Town, and Energy Partners to make it a success,” he said.

The newly commissioned system consists of over 20,000 solar panels and will offset more than 21,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year. This reduction is a critical strategic move as South African exporters face mounting international pressure to comply with stricter carbon border tariffs, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements, and sustainability directives from key trading partners such as the EU and the US.

Manie de Waal, CEO of Energy Partners, described the initiative as a blueprint for energy-intensive manufacturers seeking to mitigate the risks posed by South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis. “By embracing embedded solar generation, Atlantis Foundries is reducing grid dependence and enhancing resilience. This project is a model for other manufacturers looking to take control of their energy future,” he stated.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing the country’s energy challenges. “This is a remarkable, path-breaking project. The City of Cape Town is proud to facilitate investments like this that enable future energy security and contribute to a growing economy that gets more people into work,” he said.

The project serves as a milestone in South Africa’s energy transition, offering large industrial manufacturers a viable path toward securing their own power supply, reducing costs, and meeting international sustainability standards. “South African businesses need to take charge of their energy future. Large manufacturers can secure their own power, reduce costs, and meet sustainability targets as part of the energy transition,” de Waal concluded.