GreenYellow and ArcelorMittal South Africa have signed an energy-as-a-service deal to modernise more than 25,000 light fixtures across about 20 industrial sites, cutting lighting power use by up to 19 GWh a year.
GreenYellow and ArcelorMittal South Africa have signed an agreement to overhaul the lighting across the steelmaker’s South African operations. The multi-site programme covers more than 25,000 light fixtures at about 20 industrial sites and runs on an energy-as-a-service model that needs no upfront capital from the steel producer.
ArcelorMittal South Africa is the local arm of ArcelorMittal, one of the world’s largest steel and mining groups. It took on the retrofit under strong pressure on energy costs and tightening decarbonisation requirements. In its energy-intensive plants, lighting is a heavy load, shaping electricity use, maintenance costs and operational safety.
Under the energy-as-a-service model, GreenYellow South Africa finances, engineers, builds and manages the upgrade across its lifecycle. The approach combines technical engineering, financial structuring, construction and long-term performance management. ArcelorMittal South Africa pays for measured results rather than committing capital, and carries no operational risk.
The work spans production areas, offices and outdoor infrastructure at sites spread across several locations. GreenYellow said it can coordinate the rollout without disrupting operations. The programme is due for completion by the first quarter of 2027.
At full commissioning, the upgrade will cut lighting-related electricity use by 18 GWh to 19 GWh a year, the companies said. That equals the yearly power consumption of about 5,000 people in South Africa. It will avoid 17,800 to 18,800 tonnes of CO2 a year.
Years of load-shedding on South Africa’s grid have sharpened the case for measures that cut demand. Lower lighting consumption eases exposure to rising tariffs and supply strain, while steadier light levels support safety in heavy production areas.
Financing without upfront capital
“Energy efficiency has become a key driver of industrial competitiveness,” GreenYellow South Africa country director Michael Ilias said. He said the model lets businesses focus on measured performance while GreenYellow finances, implements and manages the system over its lifecycle.
“Energy is a key driver of our competitiveness and industrial performance,” ArcelorMittal South Africa chief operating officer Werner Venter said. He said the programme improves the company’s energy efficiency and the quality of its infrastructure while keeping operations running.
The companies marked the programme at an inauguration ceremony on 11 June. Both cast lighting efficiency, alongside renewable generation, as a route to lower emissions and firmer energy supply for heavy industry. For steelmakers under cost and carbon pressure, the deal shows how off-balance-sheet financing can fund efficiency gains without pulling capital from core production.
