Henkel South Africa Powers Alrode with Solar

Key Figures & Findings: Henkel South Africa a subsidiary of the global company Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, which specializes in consumer and industrial products, particularly in adhesive technologies, has taken a bold step toward sustainability with the launch of a 1.8 MW solar farm at its Alrode manufacturing plant. This solar farm supplies 100% of the plant’s daytime electricity needs, reducing its reliance on the national grid by 70% and significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The project is a cornerstone of Henkel’s net-zero roadmap, Plant Manager Thelma Mamatlepa praised the initiative as a benchmark for balancing operational efficiency with environmental stewardship in South Africa’s industrial sector.

Insights: Henkel’s energy optimization efforts at Alrode extend beyond the solar farm. These include upgrades to LED lighting, recycling and water reuse systems, and boiler optimizations. By 2025/2026, Henkel aims to fully electrify the plant, eliminating fossil fuel dependence as part of its global sustainability commitments.

Future Implications: Henkel’s success at Alrode could inspire other manufacturers to adopt renewable energy solutions, addressing South Africa’s energy challenges, such as load shedding and high electricity costs. Future investments in energy storage and monitoring systems may further enhance efficiency and sustainability across its operations.

Source: WebWire