VW expands solar power investment, reducing carbon emissions by 7,500 tonnes annually

Volkswagen Group Africa has boosted its solar power capacity by an additional three megawatts (MW), bringing the total to 5.9 MW, which is enough to power around 2,000 two-bedroom homes.

The company now has 12,097 solar panels, with 5,710 recently installed in the employee car park.

With a total investment of nearly R100m, Volkswagen has increased its renewable energy share from 1.5% in 2018 to 17.1% in 2023, reducing reliance on municipal electricity.

The solar energy system helps the company save approximately 7,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Volkswagen aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by 23% by 2025 and achieve its goal of becoming a zero impact factory by 2030, with decarbonisation playing a key role in its environmental strategy.