Yellow Door Energy and Overyssel Boerdery enter into a powerful partnership

January 11, 2024

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In a landmark move, Yellow Door Energy, the leading sustainable, renewable energy partner for businesses, signed a multi-million rand power purchase agreement (PPA) with Overyssel Boerdery, one of the largest growers and suppliers of potatoes in South Africa. The objective is to take the farm off the electricity grid in the near future.

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. This closes the gap in energy security for critical farm operations.

Hans van der Walt, CEO of Overyssel Boerdery, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: “This collaboration, through a PPA with Yellow Door Energy, is a strategic move towards securing a power source for our farm’s energy needs. The installation of the hybrid renewable energy micro-grid system not only ensures uninterrupted operations but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable farming practices.”

Read more about world potato markets.

A complete solution

The PPA entails the implementation of a hybrid renewable energy and micro-grid system, enabling a seamless transition between different energy sources. Over 3 200 photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed, along with a 2 900-kWh battery energy storage system and a microgrid distribution system. The overall solution, covering an area of almost four rugby fields (over 20 000m2), is expected to produce 3,4 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity in the first year of operation. This is equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 3,5 million kilograms.

The renewable microgrid system will form the base of a complete solution for the commercial farm to ultimately go off the grid, fortifying its operations against the challenges posed by escalating power outages.

Rory McCarthy, chief operating officer of Yellow Door Energy, said: “We are honoured to partner with Overyssel Boerdery on this landmark project, enabling this commercial farm to secure their energy supply and improve resiliency. This is Yellow Door Energy’s first project in South Africa emphasising our commitment to support South African commercial industries in opening access to a cost-effective, low-carbon and reliable supply of energy through our PPAs.”

Yellow Door Energy’s PPA enables 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. – Press release, Yellow Door Energy