| Work Detail |
Yellow Door Energy (YDE), a leading independent power producer (IPP) in the Middle East and Africa, has partnered with large-scale agricultural producer Waterberg Boerdery to inaugurate a state-of-the-art microgrid system on Waterberg’s commercial farm in Limpopo. The system includes a solar power plant and a battery energy storage system (BESS), designed to provide reliable and sustainable energy to the farm.
In search of a more dependable power supply, Waterberg Boerdery collaborated with YDE to create a custom energy solution that not only ensures continuous power but also cuts down on energy costs. The project was made possible through a Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) between the two parties, allowing the farm to switch to clean energy without any upfront capital investment while benefiting from long-term electricity savings.
As the IPP, YDE oversaw the financing, design, construction, and operation of the solar plant and hybrid system integration. The microgrid has a solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of 1,800 kilowatts-peak (kWp) and a battery energy storage capacity of 2,900 kilowatt-hours (kWh). It is expected to generate 3,400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity in its first year, cutting carbon emissions by 3.5 million kilograms. Over 3,200 solar panels and a battery storage unit were installed on the farm to support the system.
Hans van der Walt, COO of Waterberg Boerdery, commented: “This collaboration with Yellow Door Energy is a strategic move towards securing our farm’s energy needs. The hybrid renewable energy system not only guarantees uninterrupted operations but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable farming practices.”
Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy, praised the collaboration: “We congratulate Waterberg Boerdery on the commissioning of this solar and BESS project. This microgrid system, through a PPA, supports our goal of helping South African businesses lower electricity costs, improve power reliability, and reduce carbon emissions.”
Forbes Padayachee, CEO of Yellow Door Energy South Africa, highlighted the economic benefits: “BESS is becoming more economically viable, and when combined with solar power generation, it can reduce reliance on the grid. This is especially important for South African agricultural producers seeking a secure and sustainable energy supply.”
Yellow Door Energy continues to lead in the renewable energy sector in South Africa, offering customized solar solutions that drive sustainability and operational efficiency. Globally, YDE has over 240 megawatts of awarded solar projects across six countries, including 240 megawatts of solar wheeling capacity in South Africa’s North West Province. |
