G3 Citrus Estates adds significant solar power upgrade
Citrus producer G3 Citrus Estates, in Weipe, Limpopo, has added 812 kW of solar PV and 2.28 MWh of battery storage to its existing solar-powered renewable electricity system, with commissioning set for the end of February.
The Venetia diamond mine, established in 1992, spurred infrastructure development that caused the citrus industry in Weipe to thrive, with farmers capitalising on the region’s ideal climate and State-owned utility Eskom's high-voltage powerline and Pontdrift substation to cultivate high-quality vegetables and export citrus.
However, the surge in citrus production, combined with nearby coal mining, put strain on the local power infrastructure.
Therefore, G3, established by the Erasmus family in 1996, responded by installing a 782 kW grid-tied solar system three years ago. However, after facing technical challenges, the company partnered with solar and energy storage solutions companies Eversolar and Decentral Energy for a significant upgrade, which took three months to complete.
The upgrade will ensure that about 90% of the estate's energy needs are met, supporting current and future operations. This in turn will enable G3 to expand beyond Eskom’s power supply constraints without compromising production, while also reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy security.
Decentral Energy and Eversolar will jointly own, operate and maintain the now 1.6 MWp system with its large 2.28 MWh battery, supplying power to G3 under a ten-year power purchase agreement.
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