Solar energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential in addressing the specific needs of the primary agricultural and agri-processing sectors.
The financial burden of escalating electricity tariffs is a major concern. Energy-intensive activities such as irrigation, refrigeration and processing are becoming increasingly costly.
By harnessing South Africa’s abundant sunshine, solar power can significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity. Over time, the savings on electricity bills can offset the initial investment in solar infrastructure, making it a sound financial strategy for the agricultural sector.
As global markets and consumers increasingly value environmentally friendly practices, South Africa’s agriculture sector must adapt to remain competitive. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon footprints, solar energy and BESS promote more sustainable agricultural practices.
This shift not only helps meet international sustainability standards, but also enhances the appeal of South African produce in global markets.
Unlocking solar’s potential
The true potential of solar energy is realised when paired with battery energy storage systems. The existing grid infrastructure in South Africa is facing capacity challenges, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is most prevalent.
These regions may experience unstable power supply, not just due to outages, but also because the grid cannot always meet demand during peak periods.
BESS addresses this issue by storing excess solar energy generated during the day for use when grid supply is insufficient or unavailable. With the right solution, expanding agricultural operations is still possible, despite capacity issues. This ensures a steady and reliable energy source, crucial for continuous operations such as irrigation and cold storage.
BESS offers additional advantages, such as storing energy when prices are low (typically during off-peak hours) and using it during high-demand periods. This is particularly valuable in agriculture, where energy-intensive activities often align with peak pricing periods.
Choosing your power partner
When deciding whether solar is the right solution, and who to partner with, talk to RenEnergy, a company that enables commercial agri businesses to secure their energy futures.
Their deep understanding of the energy landscape, particularly as it pertains to agriculture, stems from successfully implementing solutions for a wide array of agricultural clients across South Africa and the UK.
RenEnergy’s journey with you begins with understanding your business, energy consumption patterns and future ambitions. They anticipate increasing energy demands and include forward-planning such as electric vehicle charging or production process adjustments.
International IP, local application
Operating primarily in the UK (since 2006) and South Africa (since 2012), RenEnergy consults on, designs, and delivers innovative renewable energy solutions to commercial clients worldwide.
Their knowledge-sharing system between UK and South African teams ensures that clients in both territories benefit from international intellectual property (IP). This IP, particularly in energy storage, has enabled RenEnergy to install commercial batteries since 2019, setting them apart from new market entrants.
Shining bright
In 2023, RenEnergy joined the international energy group, Aggreko, marking a significant milestone in their growth journey. While retaining the agility and entrepreneurial spirit that has driven their success, they now have the backing of a global business to deliver more renewable energy solutions to more clients.
Committed to the long run
RenEnergy believes in fostering long-term partnerships with their clients. This dedication is evident as 58% of their business in 2023 came from returning clients – a testament to the partnerships, reputation, and trust they have built.
As they continue to lead in the evolving energy landscape, RenEnergy remains committed to delivering cutting-edge renewable solutions that empower businesses, particularly in the agri sector, to achieve their sustainability and operational goals.
The adoption of solar energy and BESS is becoming essential for South Africa’s agriculture sector. As the industry evolves, the integration of these technologies will be crucial for ensuring the resilience, profitability, and sustainability of agricultural operations.
RenEnergy looks forward to continuing to forge enduring energy partnerships, empowering businesses to thrive sustainably.
For more info, visit www.renenergy.co.za.