Volkswagens Pledge To Cut Fossil Fuel Use And Embrace Sustainability

Volkswagen’s Pledge to Cut Fossil Fuel Use and Embrace Sustainability

,

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) is making a significant move toward renewable energy, not merely to sidestep the inconveniences of power outages, but to consciously reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels. As Energy Month is celebrated in May, VWGA reiterates its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in vehicle and component production by 2030 through its…

Volkswagens Pledge To Cut Fossil Fuel Use And Embrace Sustainability

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) is making a significant move toward renewable energy, not merely to sidestep the inconveniences of power outages, but to consciously reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels. As Energy Month is celebrated in May, VWGA reiterates its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in vehicle and component production by 2030 through its Zero Impact Factory initiatives.

Understanding the detrimental effects of fossil fuels on global climate change, VWGA is determined to lessen its dependency on these energy sources. To support this transition, the company has invested up to R100 million in renewable energy projects over the past few years. By the end of this year, Volkswagen’s manufacturing plant in Kariega will be powered by a total of 5.6 MWp of solar energy.

Recently, a 3 MWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panel installation in the employee car park at the Kariega plant has been commissioned, with an operational target set for September 2024. This new installation will complement the existing 2.6 MWp of rooftop PV panels in the vehicle assembly plant and the 163 kWp at the component manufacturing plant.

As South Africa’s largest exporter of passenger cars, VWGA is aligning with a global shift towards renewable energy. The World Economic Forum reported a 50% increase in renewable capacity last year compared to 2022. Additionally, the International Energy Agency noted that the world’s renewable electricity generation capacity is growing at an unprecedented rate, providing a solid chance to triple global capacity by 2030.

Ulrich Schwabe, VWGA Production Director, highlighted the critical need for renewable energy. “Our plan to become a Zero Impact Factory by 2030 aligns with our global Group Strategy Way to Zero. We all witness the effects of climate change and its impact on biodiversity. Our commitment to carbon neutrality reflects the urgency for immediate action,” Schwabe stated.

The significance of renewable energy is underscored by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, which reported that manufacturing in Nelson Mandela Bay, where VWGA is headquartered, consumes at least 55% of the region’s electricity. This underscores the crucial role of sustainable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels.


Share :