Green Farms Nut Company, South Africa’s top macadamia nut processor, invests in solar power to combat load shedding and enhance sustainability.
As South Africa grapples with persistent load shedding, GFNC has committed to reducing energy costs, improving operational efficiency, and supporting the broader national effort to alleviate power disruptions.
South Africa’s energy crisis
South Africa’s energy crisis remains a critical issue, with frequent load shedding affecting daily life and economic activity. Eskom the state-owned power utility, struggles to meet electricity demand due to aging infrastructure and operational inefficiencies. This ongoing instability has placed significant pressure on businesses, including agriculture, where reliable energy is crucial for operations.
GFNC’s processing facilities rely on a steady energy supply, and load shedding presents significant operational hurdles. With outages lasting 6-7 hours daily, the company faced rising costs from running multiple diesel generators, each consuming up to 75 litres of fuel per hour. Over time, these costs are unsustainable, while frequent power surges and load shedding lead to costly equipment damage, more maintenance expenses, and throughput constraints.
Solar power investment
In response to these challenges, GFNC has invested in solar energy to reduce reliance on the national grid. The company has installed solar power systems at its Levubu and White River processing plants, with a third project in development at their Coastal facility. These initiatives are designed to provide a more reliable and cost-effective energy supply while contributing to South Africa’s energy sustainability efforts.
“We understand that our responsibility extends beyond our operations to the broader community,” said Michka Reynders, COO of Green Farms Nut Company. “By implementing solar energy systems, we are reducing operational costs and creating a model that could help other businesses navigate the ongoing energy crisis. This is an investment in our future and the future of agriculture in South Africa.”
The Levubu facility in Limpopo is already “off-grid,” with a solar system meeting 60% of the facility’s energy needs. This includes a 300 KVA capacity and 600 kWh of battery storage, providing up to three hours of backup power should the system fail. The system was completed in November 2024 and has proven effective in improving energy reliability.
At the White River facility, a larger 500 KVA solar system with 1,000 kWh of battery storage is set to be operational by the end of January 2025. The system combines roof and ground-mounted solar panels to reduce reliance on the grid, providing up to three hours of backup power.
Economic and environmental impact
This significant investment will be financed over five years. GFNC expects a return on investment within three to five years, depending on the frequency of load shedding. Beyond cost savings, the systems help protect equipment, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
“These initiatives are not just about cutting energy costs,” said Allen Duncan, CEO of GFNC. “It’s about creating lasting, positive impacts for farmers, customers, and communities. By reducing energy costs, we help farmers manage processing expenses, while also contributing to alleviating national energy pressures, lowering carbon footprint, and becoming more sustainable.”
GFNC’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its operations. Improving energy efficiency and reducing costs, means the company is creating a more predictable and affordable processing environment for its farming partners. This enables farmers to plan more effectively and reduce the financial strain caused by energy fluctuations.
Moreover, by committing to renewable energy and socially responsible practices, GFNC is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable agricultural production. As consumers increasingly prioritise environmentally friendly products, the company’s focus on reducing its carbon footprint enhances its market appeal.
A Vision for the future
GFNC’s forward-thinking approach to energy management sets an example for the agricultural sector and private enterprises across South Africa. By integrating sustainable practices, the company is building a foundation for long-term growth and resilience, while contributing to alleviating the ongoing energy crisis. This approach improves operational efficiency and helps stabilise the broader economy by promoting sustainable business models.
“We are creating a foundation for growth, sustainability, and resilience while contributing to addressing the energy crisis that continues to challenge the country,” concluded Reynders.
