By Otsile Kadiege

Through an investment of R100 million, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) will install 22 847 photovoltaic (PV) technology (solar panels) at its East London manufacturing plant, to convert sunlight into electrical energy and to contribute to carbon reduction in the manufacturing process.

The additional photovoltaic solar energy forms part of the second phase of MBSA’s pursuit towards net carbon-neutral manufacturing. By 2030, Mercedes-Benz plans to cover more than 70 percent of the energy demand in production with renewable energies. A core element of Mercedes-Benz sustainable business strategy is Ambition2039, with which was already set the course for in our East London manufacturing plant in 2022.

“The installation of the Photovoltaic solar panels at our manufacturing plant is a key pillar of our energy strategy and will contribute towards the East London plant’s daily maximum demand requirement of 12MW in times of peak-demand. The additional investment of R100 million into the second phase of the Photovoltaic solar energy project accelerates our carbon-neutral manufacturing ambitions and corporate citizenship mandate. As a company, we are working strategically towards delivering on our sustainability commitments, and feed-in agreements are required to utilise the new capacity from 2024 onwards. It remains our collective responsibility to safeguard the environment for future generations. To this effect, we call on all stakeholders to respond swiftly and to deliberately act towards helping to curb the exacerbating electricity situation in South Africa. Every action counts.”