Yellow Door Energy (YDE), an independent power producer (IPP) has partnered with Waterberg Boerdery, a large-scale agricultural producer, in Waterberg.
The project is on a commercial farm, in Waterberg, Limpopo, has a microgrid system containing a solar power plant and battery energy storage system (BESS).
The system has a solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of 1 800 kilowatts-peak (kWp) and a battery energy storage capacity of 2 900 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
In the first year of production, about 3 400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity, is expected to be generated.
Over 3 200 solar panels were installed on the commercial farm, along with the battery energy storage unit.
Hans van der Walt, Waterberg Boerdery COO, said
“this collaboration with Yellow Door Energy is a strategic move towards securing our farm’s energy needs. The installation of the hybrid renewable energy system not only ensures uninterrupted operations but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable farming practices and innovation in food production.”
In the first year of operation, an equivalent of about 3.5 million kilograms of carbon emissions are expected to be reduced.
Yellow Door Energy has over 240 megawatts of awarded solar projects in over six countries, along with 240 megawatts of solar wheeling capability in the North West Province.
Forbes Padayachee, CEO of Yellow Door Energy South Africa, said “BESS is now becoming more economically viable and when combined with solar power generation, it can remove reliance on the grid, which is especially relevant and enticing for South African agricultural producers wanting security of supply, as well as a more sustainable operation. We aim to bring this solution to many more agricultural producers in the next few years.”