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Sasol devoted to climate targets, however not \at all expenses\

South African petrochemical company Sasol is dedicated to a 30% cut in carbon emissions by 2030, but desires a well balanced debate that weighs the financial impact of environment targets, its CFO said on Monday.

Sasol, the world's biggest manufacturer of chemicals and fuels from coal and gas, and a significant carbon emitter, has just recently faced criticism from ecological activists and some investors over its environment targets.

The company was required to cancel its annual basic conference last November after it was disrupted by environment protesters.

A major part of Sasol's strategies to cut emissions is a 25%. reduction in making use of coal, both as a crucial input and energy. source. It plans to replace coal as a basic material, initially with. gas and eventually biomass, once it becomes financially feasible,. CFO Hanre Rossouw stated.

Sasol has signed up 600 megawatts (MW) of renewable resource. supply contracts, with 500 MW having reached financial close.

Sasol was totally dedicated to its decarbonisation targets,. Rossouw stated, but we've got to be clear about what's going to. drive economic growth, tasks and energy security in South Africa. It's not just energy shift at all costs.

Sasol states it is one of South Africa's biggest companies and. tax payers, contributing 5% of the nation's gross domestic. item.

On Monday, Sasol reported 34% decrease in half-year revenue,. to 12.85 billion rand ($ 665.23 million) in the six months to. Dec. 31, from 19.39 billion formerly primarily due to weaker oil. and petrochemical rates in addition to higher expenses.

The business announced an interim dividend of 2 rand per. share, down from 7 rand previously.

Rossouw stated Sasol was considering changing its dividend. policy, which is tied to core headline revenues, to base payments. on capital generation.

Sasol's shares were 2.9% down at 141.77 rand at 1416 GMT.

(source: Reuters)