Taking a significant step towards using cleaner energy in the agricultural sector, Yellow Door Energy, a leading sustainable, renewable energy partner for businesses, has signed a multimillion-rand power purchase agreement (PPA) with Overyssel Boerdery, one of the largest growers and suppliers of potatoes in South Africa, with the aim of taking the farm off-grid in the near future.
The PPA will see the installation of a 1.8 MW hybrid renewable energy and microgrid system for Overyssel Boerdery.
As the appointed independent power producer (IPP), Yellow Door Energy is responsible for financing, designing, commissioning, building, operating, and maintaining the renewable energy plant for the duration of the agreement with the commercial farm, closing the gap on energy security for critical farm operations.
Hans Van der Walt, CEO of Overyssel Boerdery, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “This collaboration, through the power purchase agreement with Yellow Door Energy, is a strategic move towards securing our farm's energy needs. The installation of the hybrid renewable energy microgrid system will ensure uninterrupted operations and is in line with our commitment to sustainable farming practices.”
The PPA entails the implementation of a 1.8 MW hybrid renewable energy and microgrid system, enabling seamless transition between different energy sources. Over 3 200 PV panels will be installed, together with a 2 900 kWh battery energy storage system and a microgrid distribution system. The overall solution, covering an area of over 20 000 m2, is expected to produce 3.4 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity in the first year of operation, equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 3.5 million kilograms. The renewable microgrid system will form the base of a complete solution to enable the farm to go off grid in future, fortifying its operations against the challenges posed by worsening power outages.
Rory McCarthy, COO of Yellow Door Energy, said, “We are honoured to partner with Overyssel Boerdery on this landmark project, enabling this commercial farm to secure its energy supply and improve its resilience. This is Yellow Door Energy’s first project in South Africa and demonstrates our commitment to support South African commercial industries in opening access to the cost-effective low-carbon and reliable supply of energy through our PPAs.”
Yellow Door Energy’s PPAs enable industrial and commercial businesses to secure their energy supply and reduce their energy costs while maintaining focus on their core business and enjoying the benefits of energy independence.
For more information visit: www.yellowdoorenergy.com
