As the global drive toward carbon neutrality gains momentum, some countries and industries are aiming for 2040, while others have set their sights on 2050, to reach their target. Reaching these goals presents significant challenges for hard-to-abate sectors. Still, pressure is mounting across all industries to make meaningful progress.
Positioned at the forefront of this transition is Envusa Energy, offering tailored, scalable solutions to support organisations on their path to carbon neutrality and sustainable energy.
Who is Envusa Energy
Envusa Energy is a joint 50/50 venture between EDF power solutions and Anglo American. Known for delivering clean, scalable energy solutions, Envusa is playing an important role in helping major operations toward their carbon neutrality goals. Now, the company is expanding its service in offering tailored, scalable solutions to support organisations on their path.
“Our objective now is to extend this platform further into the market and support other hard-to-abate entities in Southern Africa on their carbon neutrality journey,” says Nicole Mason, Acting CEO of Envusa Energy.
Taking ambition into action
Sectors such as mining, steel, and cement are among the world’s largest contributors to carbon emissions. Envusa understands that no two organisations are alike, each faces its own set of complexities, shaped by industry, scale, and geography. It is this recognition that drives Envusa to craft tailored energy solutions, carefully aligned with the specific operational realities and long-term sustainability goals of each client.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, Envusa has adopted a portfolio-based strategy that allows for partnership and collaboration between the Independent Power Producer (IPP) and the off-taker. The company develops and integrates a range of energy assets, wind, solar, and battery storage, across geographies, which are then aggregated and supplied to a portfolio of clients.
“This structure doesn’t just meet power demands, it mitigates risk and enables cross collateralisation at a portfolio level,” says Mason.
“Our competitive advantage lies in creating a balanced and complementary energy mix that brings us closer to achieving carbon-neutral electricity supply.
A proven platform
Envusa’s two major partners, EDF power solutions, with its global experience in energy systems, and Anglo American, with its deep regional presence and a strong commitment to sustainability, gives the business a significant advantage in delivering optimal solutions to offtakers.
Envusa’s partnership with Anglo American has delivered a proven platform, with the mining company on track to reach its goal and move toward carbon-neutral electricity across its operations by 2040.
“What truly sets us apart is the passion and capability of the people at Anglo American, Envusa Energy, and EDF power solutions. combining these skillsets has proven remarkably effective and has allowed us to accelerate progress in ways that would have been difficult to achieve independently,” Mason adds.
The company also brings technical credibility and long-term reliability to its offtakers. It is currently the only IPP and energy trader in the market with the capacity to deliver a genuine portfolio-based approach.
Every project undergoes a comprehensive assessment to ensure alignment with its Net Positive Impact (NPI) goal, preserving ecosystems while enabling development.
Building communities
For Envusa, a Just Energy Transition is inseparable from community development. Through its social economic development approach, the company adapts its strategy to each project’s location, engaging early and meaningfully with local stakeholders.
“Community relationships are vital, regardless of where a project is located,” says Mason. “Our community interface is critical to the success of our business.
“No two approaches are the same, the most important thing for us is to actively listen to communities and respond to their needs and priorities. Energy is the lifeblood of any country and economy,” Mason says. “Delivering clean, renewable power to regions experiencing energy shortages is incredibly rewarding. It empowers communities and enables long-term socio-economic development.”
The road ahead
For Mason, the most exciting aspect of the company’s work is its transformative impact on the Southern African landscape.
Envusa is fast approaching a major milestone. The Koruson 2 project cluster, comprising 520 MW of capacity, 240 MW of solar PV and two 140 MW wind projects, is nearing commercial operation and marks a critical step towards Envusa achieving its long-term goals.
“There is significant potential for us to expand, not only to contribute meaningfully to the region’s energy needs, but also to play a role in advancing a liberal, more open and competitive electricity trading market in South Africa,” says Mason.
“When you take a step back and you look at the Southern Africa region, it is blessed with rich renewable resources. There is huge opportunity for the region to flourish. The ultimate impact, is to create sustainable connection across Southern Africa.”
