Yellow Door Energy (YDE), a prominent independent power producer (IPP) in the Middle East and Africa, has officially inaugurated a microgrid system featuring a solar power plant and battery energy storage system (BESS) at Waterberg Boerdery’s commercial farm in Limpopo, South Africa.
In pursuit of a reliable and sustainable energy solution, Waterberg Boerdery collaborated with YDE to create a customized system designed to ensure consistent energy supply while significantly reducing the farm's energy expenses.
The initiative was made possible through a Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) between the two parties, providing a risk-free avenue for the farm to transition to clean energy without incurring upfront costs and achieving long-term savings on electricity.
As the IPP, YDE took on the responsibilities of financing, designing, constructing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining both the solar plant and the integrated hybrid system.
This system boasts a solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of 1,800 kilowatts-peak (kWp) and a battery storage capacity of 2,900 kilowatt-hours (kWh). In its first year, the system is anticipated to generate 3,400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity, resulting in a carbon emissions reduction of approximately 3.5 million kilograms. The installation includes over 3,200 solar panels on the farm, complemented by the battery storage unit.
During the launch of the solar and BESS solution, Hans van der Walt, COO of Waterberg Boerdery, expressed, “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.”
Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy, congratulated Waterberg Boerdery on the successful commissioning of the solar and BESS project, stating, “We congratulate Waterberg Boerdery on the commissioning of this solar and BESS project. This microgrid system, through a PPA, aligns with our aim to help commercial and industrial businesses in South Africa lower their electricity costs, improve power reliability and reduce carbon emissions.”
Forbes Padayachee, CEO of Yellow Door Energy South Africa, added, “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.”
Yellow Door Energy continues to lead the renewable energy sector in South Africa, delivering tailored solar solutions that promote sustainability and operational efficiency. Globally, the company has secured over 240 megawatts of solar projects across six countries, in addition to 240 megawatts of solar wheeling capabilities in South Africa’s North West Province.
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