The role of renewable energy in De Beers' Carbon Neutral Strategy - interview with Kirsten Hund, Head of Carbon Neutrality, De Beers group

De Beers has a stated aim of carbon neutrality by 2030 and plans to achieve this with a broad range of initiatives and technologies including energy efficiency, clean fuels and green electricity generation. In advance of her presentation at the Energy and Mines Africa Virtual Summit, May 4-6, Head of Carbon Neutrality Kirsten Hund outlines the role renewables is set to play in the diamond miners’ energy transformation.

Energy and Mines: What role do you see for renewable energy in De Beers’ Group strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2030?

Kirsten Hund: Renewable energy, and renewable electricity, is a crucial element in our strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, which is built around Reduce energy intensity, Replace fossil fuels and Fossil Electricity, and Recover the remaining carbon emissions. Approximately 50% of our GHG emissions arise from primarily coal-based grid electricity in Southern Africa, and the other 50% arise from the use of fossil fuels (i.e. Diesel and Marine Fuel Oil). Renewable electricity is an essential element in the solutions to decarbonise both inputs. We will replace the grid electricity through direct replacement of electricity, and the fossil fuels through battery systems, hydrogen fuel cells, green synthetic fuel production, etc all powered by or derived from renewable electricity.

EandM: Can you tell us a bit about current considerations for solar in South Africa and Botswana and wind power in Namibia?

KH: Southern Africa is blessed with some of the best renewable energy resources in the world. Namibia has incredible wind resources as well as solar, Botswana is covered (showered) by amazing sun resources and South Africa has a great mixed of both at various locations. The opportunity exists to develop a portfolio of renewable energy plants across the region taking advantage of the ‘best of the best”. The differences in latitude will allow us to extend the duration of solar power. If we can overcome regulatory hurdles, these resources can be integrated by wheeling across the Southern African Power Pool to the mutual advantage of all the countries in the region.

EandM: What advice would you give energy providers looking to develop projects with miners in Africa?

KH: Africa has some of the best resources in the world, both renewable and non-renewable, and technically there are few obstacles. There is massive potential. Financially, storage is still a challenge, however the costs are reducing fast every year. The focus needs to be on working together with the country Governments to overcome regulatory hurdles, firming up on offtake agreements and developing bankable projects together.