Industrial, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  August 1, 2024

Tronox Ramps Up RE Projects

Tronox Holdings plc, an integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment, announced it commissioned a 200-MW solar project in South Africa that will provide an estimated 40% of the company's total energy needs in the region.

This project will result in an incremental 13% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions in 2024 relative to the 2019 baseline.

The company also entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with NOA Group for about 497GWh of renewable energy, which is expected to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by an incremental 12% globally once the project is fully implemented in 2027.

Tronox also reinforced its carbon emission reduction targets, including lowering Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions intensity by 50% by 2030 against a 2019 baseline and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing Scope 3 carbon emissions by 9% by 2025 and 16% by 2030 against a 2021 baseline. 

The company lowered its 2025 Scope 1 and 2 target to 25% (from 35%) to align with the latest anticipated timing of its second renewable project in South Africa, which is anticipated to start by 2027.

Tronox will lower its Scope 1 emissions and improve production efficiencies by implementing automated process controls (APCs) for chlorination to reduce coke consumption at the company's pigment plants.

The company also engaged with its top-emitting suppliers in planning to lower their GHG emissions as part of Tronox's Scope 3 emissions reduction strategy.

As detailed in its 2023 sustainability report, Tronox committed to alignment with the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and Science-Based Targets for nature in the next two years to improve management of biodiversity.

"Ultimately, our ability to conduct our work is supported by our people and our planet, and we bear the responsibility to act safely and sustainably,” said CEO John D. Romano  in a statement. “We firmly uphold the importance of safeguarding our operational privilege, both now and in the future. This is why we ensure that sustainability and our business strategy, operations and culture are seamlessly integrated, supporting our priority to grow the business and create lasting value for all stakeholders."