Sasol, Anglo American, and De Beers announced a Joint Development Agreement, which aims to pilot feedstock production for renewable diesel. It aims to create a sustainable chain of renewable fuel value in South Africa. The deal was sealed during the Investing in African Mining Indaba held in Cape Town.
The agreement’s goal is to assess the feasibility of using Solaris and Moringa plantations to produce vegetable oil. Sasol aims to utilize the available infrastructure for more efficient and economical production of renewable diesel as compared to greenfield projects.
A Leap Towards Sustainable Fuel Production
Dr. Sarushen Pillay, Executive Vice President of Sasol’s Business Building, Strategy, and Technology division, said, “Renewable diesel is transformative. It meets the technical standards of conventional diesel while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our customers can therefore, use it as a “drop-in” fuel in their existing equipment and machinery to meet their greenhouse gas reduction commitments.
He added, “Partnering with Anglo American, we’re investigating the development of a local and cost-effective supply chain for sustainable feedstock, utilising vegetable oil to produce renewable diesel in our facilities. As we innovate for a better world, Sasol’s ambition is clear — to help our customers navigate the energy transition while delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions for a low-carbon future.”
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Anglo American Vows for Sustainability
Alison Atkinson, Projects and Development Director at Anglo American, stated that the initiative is crucial for strengthening their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. She explained that it contributes to their sustainability journey and supports their goal of maintaining a healthy environment through carbon-neutral operations.
She also mentioned that they had worked closely with De Beers on the partnership, citing De Beers’ pre-feasibility studies on renewable diesel production trials within their mining operations and host communities. Atkinson noted that De Beers would provide over 20 hectares of land for growing the trial feedstock in Blouberg, Messina, Marble Hall in Limpopo, and the Voorspoed mine closure site in the Free State.
De Beers will provide over 20 hectares of land across Blouberg, Messina, Marble Hall, and the Voorspoed site. Although renewable diesel production is still in the early stages in South Africa, the country’s renewable fuels market shows promise.
