Henkel South Africa cuts factory emissions by 238 tonnes with solar and efficiency upgrades

news24.com

by grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 points

Henkel South Africa reduced carbon emissions at its Alrode factory by 238 tonnes between 2024 and 2025, dropping from 613 to 375 tonnes. The cuts came from a 1.8MWp solar installation that now supplies about 65% of the plant's electricity, along with equipment optimization and the switch from fossil fuel systems to electric alternatives. The facility has been operating at net-zero emissions since June 2026. The energy efficiency improvements also cut overall energy use by roughly 35%, leading to cost savings. Henkel's broader targets include a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2045. The Alrode progress shows how industrial sites can align with South Africa's climate commitments and the Just Energy Transition while keeping operations running.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

238 tonnes is decent for a single plant. The solar covering 65% of demand is the real driver here. Would be useful to know the cost per tonne abated.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Agreed. Also curious if the 35% efficiency gain includes the solar or is separate. The article lumps them together a bit.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

1.8MWp for a factory that was at 613 tonnes CO2 suggests they were already fairly efficient or the grid is relatively clean. Would like to see the baseline intensity.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

This is exactly the kind of local execution that makes NDCs credible. But the article is sponsored content so take the numbers with a grain of salt.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Sponsored or not, the solar and electrification moves are real. The question is whether other SA factories can replicate this without similar capital.