• Component Plant solar panels add 0,88MWp capacity to VWGA's renewable energy generation
• 40% of Plant Kariega's energy requirements were fulfilled through green energy sources in 2025

Kariega - Reinforcing their commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has completed a photovoltaic solar panel project at their Component Plant in Kariega, Eastern Cape.

The project, completed in June 2026, comprises 1410 solar panels mounted on the roofs of the building and its car park, as well as a ground-mounted portion. This facility has a capacity of about 0,88MWp, and is the latest addition to VWGA's renewable energy projects.

VWGA previously completed a multi-phase solar panel installation over their employee car park, which included 9294 panels with a capacity of 5.2MWp - capable of producing 7125 MWh annually. Additionally, similar solar panel projects were completed on the roof of the Final Assembly building (1,7MWp) and the engine plant (1,0MWp).

These projects form part of a long-term sustainability roadmap towards achieving carbon-neutral electricity in VWGA's production operations. In 2025, Plant Kariega relied on green energy sources for 40% of its energy requirements.

“We have made significant strides in recent years towards fully sustainable manufacturing,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at Volkswagen Group Africa. “As a company we remain committed towards practices that are responsible and sustainable, and our work in increasing our green footprint is never done.”

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