The Challenges You Face
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Rising Energy Costs
Eskom Megaflex tariffs increased 300%+ since 2008, now averaging R1.40-1.60/kWh. Load-shedding adds R500M-R1.5bn annually in lost production.
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Scope 2 Emissions Pressure
Global mining groups targeting net-zero by 2040-2050. Eskom's coal-heavy grid (960 gCO₂/kWh) makes compliance impossible without on-site renewables.
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Grid Instability
Stage 4-6 load-shedding costs R50-150M+/month. BTM renewable baseload eliminates exposure while reducing energy costs significantly.
Behind-the-Meter Baseload Independence
TerraFerm Africa deploys modular 5-25 MWe biomethane CHP plants on degraded land adjacent to mining operations — delivering firm 24/7 power without grid connection or diesel backup.
Cost-Competitive Baseload
Lower Energy Costs
- •20-40% savings vs. Eskom Megaflex tariffs
- •Up to 70% savings vs. diesel backup
- •Fixed CPI-linked pricing (hedge against Eskom volatility)
- •Site-specific economics based on demand profile
-2.1 tCO₂e/MWh
Net Negative Emissions
- •Soil carbon sequestration: 60+ tCO₂e/ha/yr
- •Avoided Eskom emissions: 960 gCO₂/kWh displaced
- •Biodiversity restoration on degraded land
100% Renewable
Tax & Carbon Benefits
- •Section 12B: 125% tax deduction on renewable energy CAPEX
- •Carbon Tax Act: Exempt from R159/tCO₂e carbon tax
- •Voluntary carbon credits: 2.1 tCO₂e per MWh
Commercial Summary
Delivered Cost
Competitive with Eskom
20-40% below Megaflex tariffs
Carbon Intensity
-2.1 tCO₂e/MWh
Eskom: +960 gCO₂/kWh
Capacity Factor
85-92%
Solar: 20%, Coal: 65%
Availability
>90%
Eskom: 55-65% (load-shedding)
Module Size
5.5-25 MWe
Scalable to demand
Deployment
18-24 months
PPA to commissioning
Technical Specifications
Plant Configuration
- Modular units: 5.5 MWe base (scalable to 22-25 MWe clusters)
- Capacity factor: 85-92% (7,446-8,059 hours/year)
- Start-up time: <2 minutes (backup-grade reliability)
- Fuel supply: 500-2,500 ha OFI cactus per 5 MWe
- Water requirement: 80% less than conventional bioenergy
- Deployment timeline: 18-24 months from PPA to commissioning
Commercial Structure
- PPA tenor: 15-25 years (matches mine life)
- Pricing: Competitive with Eskom Megaflex, fixed CPI-linked escalation
- No upfront CAPEX required for mine
- Behind-the-meter: Zero Eskom wheeling charges
- Site-specific pricing based on demand profile and deployment scale