Agrico’s shift to hybrid energy: A smarter, greener way of manufacturing

We’ve always been committed to delivering the optimal irrigation solution to our clients. However, we faced a challenge that threatened our ability to maintain that level of reliability and efficiency. Frequent blackouts were disrupting our production schedules, pushing operational costs higher and creating an unpredictable environment while our energy needs kept growing. 

As a company focused on meeting the unique needs of each client, we couldn’t afford to have our own operations interrupted. 

Agrico’s hybrid energy system boosts efficiency and sustainability

We turned to RenEnergy to provide an alternative to our traditional generator-based system. RenEnergy worked closely with us to design and implement a customized hybrid energy solution that would address our specific challenges. They introduced us to an integrated system that combined the power of solar energy with state-of-the-art battery storage technology, creating a reliable energy infrastructure.

The system includes photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity, paired with a large battery energy storage capacity to ensure we always have power when we need it. This hybrid setup has not only allowed us to reduce our reliance on external power grids but also significantly decreased our carbon footprint.

The benefits of Agrico’s new hybrid power solution

“Agrico’s transition to a hybrid energy system underscores the importance of adopting innovative technologies to address modern challenges. By partnering with RenEnergy, they’ve positioned themselves as a leader not only in irrigation solutions but also in sustainable energy practices,” says Claude Peters, Managing Director of RenEnergy Africa.

Some of the benefits of the system include: 

  1. Uninterrupted power supply
    With an installed capacity of 1.1MWp and a battery storage capacity of 1.89MWh, our 24/7 manufacturing environment can keep running even when the local power supply is down.
  2. Sustainability at the core
    The shift to solar power and battery storage has helped us save an impressive 1,912 metric tonnes of CO₂ per year. 
  3. Optimised energy use and storage
    Three inverters and over 3 300 strategically placed solar panels allow us to produce our own solar power efficiently, with the excess stored in batteries for later use.
  4. Lower operational costs
    Before the hybrid system, we were at the mercy of fluctuating fuel prices and high maintenance costs. Now, with solar energy providing a significant portion of our power, we’ve drastically reduced those expenses.

A commitment to sustainability

Agrico’s move to a hybrid energy system is more than just a smart business decision. It is our commitment to sustainability. We believe that the agricultural industry has a vital role to play in reducing our environmental impact, and we’re proud to be leading by example. 

“At Agrico, it is our goal to provide growers and producers with optimal irrigation systems, to help them make the most of their available resources. This, in turn, is exactly what RenEnergy has helped us achieve with this project. We are confident that the solution provided to us by RenEnergy will further enhance our ability to reliably serve our customers,” says Roland Andrag, Technical Director of Agrico. 

Related articles

Vrymansfontein shows how almond farming thrives in South Africa

At Vrymansfontein, part of the Vondeling Group in South Africa’s Paarl district, almond farming is thriving thanks to a combination of ideal climate and efficient irrigation practices. With plans to harvest its first commercial crop in 2025, the farm uses a tailored drip irrigation system designed in partnership with Agrico to meet the specific needs of almonds.

Read More »

Agrico Lichtenburg help 2-weke lange kragonderbrekings oplos

Inwoners van Lichtenburg in Noordwes ervaar al meer as twee weke lank onderbrekings in kragtoevoer, nadat ‘n Eskom-transformator gebreek het en ‘n kabelfout by ‘n minisubstasie ontstaan het. Agrico het saam met ander tegniese spanlede van plaaslike ondernemings, hulp aangebied om die probleem op te los.

Read More »

Agrico se moderne tegnologie baat een van die oudste plase in Suid-Afrika

Groot Phesantekraal Boerdery, naby Durbanville, is een van Suid-Afrika se oudste plase en die eerste koringplaas. In 2024 is dit ‘n diverse familieboerdery, bestuur deur die vierde en vyfde geslag van die Brink-familie. Hul vennootskap met Agrico staan deur die jare. Beide Agrico en die boerdery is in Durbanville geleë, wat hul verbintenis aan die gemeenskap versterk.

Read More »