Pretoria Portland Cement Company (PPC), one of the largest cement producers in Southern Africa, is taking big steps into renewable energy as part of its long-term business strategy. The company has announced plans to invest in solar and other clean energy projects in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, with a total expected capacity of 80 megawatt-hours (MWh). This investment is part of its commitment to reduce carbon emissions, secure a steady energy supply, and improve operational efficiency.
The cement industry is one of the biggest consumers of energy and is also known for high levels of carbon emissions. For PPC, the move into renewable energy is not just about protecting the environment; it is also about reducing costs and making production more reliable. According to the company, the energy projects will help to stabilise electricity supply to its plants, reducing the risk of downtime caused by power shortages.
PPC said the investment is part of its broader strategy to improve efficiency, strengthen its market position, and maintain strict control over costs. One of the major parts of this strategy is the RK3 project, which is aimed at increasing cement production capacity while at the same time lowering emissions. The project is also expected to improve the company’s long-term competitiveness in the cement market.
In a statement, the company said it expects to see better profit margins in the coming years, driven by cost-cutting measures, strategic investments, and a positive market outlook in Southern Africa. Management is confident that the changes being made now will create stronger growth in the future.
PPC is also focusing on sustainability by reducing the clinker factor in cement production. The clinker factor refers to the percentage of clinker—a material produced in high-temperature kilns—used in cement. Lowering this factor helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company is also increasing the use of alternative fuels, such as industrial waste, to replace some of the coal used in production.
Environmental responsibility is another key area for PPC. The company has committed to proper water and waste management, protecting biodiversity around its plant locations, and working closely with local communities. All of its cement plants in South Africa and Zimbabwe have maintained ISO 14001 certification, which is an international standard for environmental management.
Beyond its business operations, PPC has invested heavily in corporate social responsibility. During the recent reporting period, the company spent about R8.3 million on corporate social investment (CSI) projects and R1.6 million on social and labour plan (SLP) projects. These projects include supporting education, community infrastructure, and local development programmes in areas where PPC operates.
In Zimbabwe, the cement producer says it will keep working to lower input costs, expand its product range, and protect its share of the market in an industry that is becoming more competitive. It is also planning to play a key role in the country’s infrastructure development while staying committed to its environmental goals.
One of the company’s priorities in Zimbabwe is capital preservation. PPC has also highlighted the importance of maintaining foreign currency liquidity to ensure smooth operations in a country where access to foreign exchange can be a challenge. Ensuring returns for shareholders remains a central goal.
Looking further ahead, PPC has announced plans to build a new integrated cement plant in South Africa’s Western Cape. Construction is expected to begin in the 2026 financial year. The company says this new facility will help it become more cost-competitive while also strengthening its range of low-carbon cement products. This fits into the growing global trend of green building materials as governments, businesses, and consumers push for more sustainable construction.
Industry analysts say PPC’s renewable energy investment is a strategic move at a time when African industries are under pressure to adapt to climate change and rising energy costs. With electricity supply challenges in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, the decision to generate its own renewable energy could give the company a competitive advantage while improving its environmental image.
By combining environmental responsibility with strong business planning, PPC aims to stay ahead in the Southern African cement industry, proving that green energy investments can go hand in hand with economic growth.
