Vesconite Bearings in South Africa Investing in Solar Energy

Release Time：05 Dec,2023

<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/ueditor/php/upload/image/20231205/1701779093790493.png" title="1701779093790493.png" alt="3.png"/></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Vesconite Bearings&nbsp;, a global supplier of bearing and wear materials, is taking strides towards sustainability and environmental responsibility by implementing a comprehensive solar energy solution at its Free State-based factory in South Africa.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The initiative, spearheaded by Factory Manager Robin Crabb and CEO Dr Jean-Patrick Leger, involves a significant investment in solar infrastructure to reduce the factory&#39;s reliance on the power grid and make substantial progress in becoming more environmentally friendly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">As of mid-November, Phase I of the project is 80% complete, with the installation of steelwork on concrete slabs to support 325 kVA of solar panels.&nbsp;The panels are being loaded at present, marking a crucial milestone in the transition to solar energy.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Simultaneously, Phase II is underway, encompassing the installation of an additional sub-station, the installation and commissioning of two generators, inverters with a capacity of 700 kVA, and a 500 kVA uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">According to Crabb, &quot;Making the sub-station live is a significant step forward, with approximately 25% of Phase II already completed.&quot;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The completion of Phases I and II is targeted for the end of 2023, contingent on timely equipment deliveries from suppliers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Phase III, scheduled to begin in late December, aims to double the solar capacity by an additional 325 kVA.&nbsp;Challenges in steel supply may influence the timeline, but Vesconite Bearings remains committed to its sustainability goals.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Additionally, consideration is being given to purchasing a 1 MW battery system, enabling the storage of solar energy for peak consumption times during the night.&nbsp;This investment aligns with Vesconite Bearings&#39; vision for its &#39;lights-out&#39; facility, intended to operate 24/7 for large-volume order production, circumventing challenges posed by load-shedding from South African electricity provider Eskom.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">To enhance security, the company is also installing a 1.8 m electric fence around the solar system.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Leger expressed optimism about the project&#39;s potential impact, stating, &quot;We aim to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, cut costs, and significantly reduce our carbon footprint.&quot;</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;Vesconite Bearings is confident that these solar investments will fortify the company&#39;s resilience against energy challenges and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for South Africa and beyond.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The company remains dedicated to achieving its environmental and operational objectives through innovation and responsible business practices.</span></p><p><br/></p>