Listed life insurance and integrated financial services group, Momentum Group Limited (Momentum Group) is making strides in sustainability with the installation of two large-scale solar energy projects at its Centurion head office in Gauteng and Parc du Cap regional office in the Western Cape. Now operational, these installations have the potential to generate a combined 7.5 GWh of electricity annually – enough to power ±28,500 streetlights for an entire year.

This initiative not only reinforces the group’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also contributes significantly to easing pressure on the national grid. The group estimates annual cost savings of R13 million, enhancing business continuity and reducing its carbon footprint. The installation is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 8,900 tonnes* annually, equivalent to ±3,200 return flights from Johannesburg to London.

The project is grid-tied, with solar panels and inverters feeding into both sites’ electrical systems. This allows solar energy to offset the daytime electrical demand, reducing the use of municipal electricity. Both sites will use roof and carport spaces to harvest sunlight.

The financial investment is expected to break even within a relatively short period. After which, the group will continue to benefit from significant cost savings, contributing to long-term financial sustainability, which includes providing stable business continuity.

“This is yet another significant milestone in our sustainability journey; reducing our carbon footprint while actively contributing to a more sustainable future,” says Lulama Booi, the Executive with oversight over Group Facilities Management at Momentum Group. "Our long-term goal is energy stability and sustainable operations, for enhanced energy security.” This will maintain consistent service to our clients irrespective of power interruptions while also alleviating some demand on the grid.

Environmental Highlights:

• 7.5 GWh electricity generation potential is equivalent to:
• Powering ±28,500 streetlights for a year (based on 60 Watts LED lights)
• Powering ±5,300 households for one month (based on the energy consumption for an average household in South Africa)
• Powering ±120 schools for a year (based on a study done in WC, South Africa)

• 8,900 tCO₂e emissions savings is equivalent to:
• ±23,400 economy flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town)
• ±3,200 return flights from Johannesburg to London
• The emissions absorbed by ±356,000 trees per year (based on the average tCO₂e emissions sequestered by a large tree in South Africa)
• The combustion of ±2,700 tonnes (3.7 million litres) of petrol on South African roads