Total Eren, a leading renewable energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) based in France and Chariot (AIM: CHAR), the African focused transitional energy the company, are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with Tharisa plc, the platinum group metals and chrome producer, listed on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, to develop, finance, construct, own, operate and maintain a solar photovoltaic (PV) project for the supply of electricity to the Tharisa mine, in the North West Province, South Africa. The solar PV project is initially anticipated to be 40 MWp with demand expected to increase over the life of the Tharisa Mine. This MoU is the first step towards implementation of the Project and signing of a long- term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the supply of electricity on a take-or-pay basis.
Fabienne Demol, Executive Vice-President & Global Head of Business Development of Total Eren,
commented: “We are very pleased to be entering into this MoU with Tharisa. Through our partnership with
Chariot, we are keen to assist mining companies in Africa to reduce their carbon intensity and energy costs,
via implementing renewable power solutions into their operations. We are eager to bring our global
expertise in a solar generation to Tharisa mine and we look forward to delivering further renewable projects
for our mining customers in Africa and worldwide.”
Benoit Garrivier, Chariot Transitional Power CEO, commented: “This is a great outcome for Chariot’s
Transitional Power division demonstrates the financial and sustainable benefits that our offering can
bring to mining companies operating in Africa. The Tharisa team are very forward-looking and understand
that the addition of a solar PV project at their mine in South Africa will bring significant benefits to the
business. Together with Total Eren, we are excited to start working on the financing and development of the
project and we will update the market further on this and other opportunities that we are progressing in
due course.”
