Cost is one of the main reasons why farmers are struggling to adopt energy-saving technologies. Charl du Plessis, head of project development at Energy Partners Solar, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the company’s solution to this problem and new developments in solar power.
Tell us more about energy partners
Energy Partners was founded in 2008 in response to South Africa’s first energy crisis, which resulted in widespread load shedding that started at the end of 2007. We initially offered management consultancy services with a degree of actual implementation, advising businesses on ways to improve their energy efficiency and implementing behavioural change processes and the use of improved technologies, such as LED lights, power factor correction, voltage optimisation, and refrigeration control optimisation. Our services helped Pick n Pay to almost halve its energy consumption.
In 2014, we expanded our services to address the affordability issue by offering turn-key engineer, procure, construct solar, refrigeration, steam, water and fuel as utilities by way of various power and utility purchase agreements.
Tell us more about PSG's involvement with the company
PSG Alpha Investments is a subsidiary of the PSG Group, with a mandate to support companies with exceptional growth potential. It has held the majority share in Energy Partners since 2011, after which it has made substantial investments in the company.
How has energy partners performed in recent years?
Revenue has grown by 82% over the past five years to R561 million and is predicted to grow to R790 million in the 2019 financial year.
What makes energy partners solar different from its competitors?
We have integrated technology and financial structuring to an unprecedented level in the commercial, industrial and agricultural markets in sub-Saharan Africa. As far as we know, we have the biggest solar power purchase agreement footprint in Africa. In other words, we’re able to generate power more cheaply than the grid, with complete ownership flexibility for our clients.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWKâs group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
BÃŒhler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
