Johannesburg, South Africa – Sasol has won the ESG Leader Award at the inaugural annual Africa Energy Awards 2021, held in Cape Town last night as part of the Africa Energy Week conference. This is in recognition of the progress the international integrated chemicals and energy company has made in increasing capital investments towards ensuring safe and fair operations through improvements in the environmental, social and governance performance.

Organised by the African Energy Chamber, the awards seek to promote the accomplishments of African energy companies and professionals and also recognise those that are dedicated to making energy poverty history by 2030.

“To be recognised for our ongoing efforts to be a net zero emitter of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050 and our 30% GHG reduction target is a really encouraging experience,” said Bernard Klingenberg, Sasol Executive Vice President: Energy Operations, Sasol Limited, receiving the accolade last night. 

“This Award validates our commitment to accelerating our transition to a low-carbon world in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and indicates that those who understands the complexities we face appreciate the progress we have made thus far.”

Sasol has sharply increased its 2030 emission reduction target for its Energy Business to a 30% reduction from the previous at least 10% commitment and has also set an additional 30% reduction target for its International Chemicals Business off a 2017 baseline.  

The company has also introduced a scope 3 reduction target for its Energy Business, off a 2019 baseline, consistent with the commitment of its peers. 

“While we’ve been criticised for setting unrealistic targets given our prevailing challenges at, particularly, our Sasol Secunda Plant in Mpumalanga, we believe that our targets demonstrate our firm commitment to transition to a lower carbon world and that we accept climate science, hence the strong alignment with the Paris Agreement,” said Klingenberg.