Energy storage can enhance SA agriculture

“South Africa’s agriculture sector is vital to the country’s continued growth and development, and is an important source of job creation, GDP, food security and even tourism. The International Trade Administration in the US describes the commercial agriculture sector in South Africa as the backbone of the agricultural economy, noting that in 2020 agriculture had the best growth rate of all economic sectors at 13,1%.

Unfortunately, energy-related challenges pose a significant obstacle to the sector’s continued growth. In recent months, farmers have faced a 9,6% hike in Eskom tariffs, an increase in the price of diesel to R21.47/l due to Russia-Ukraine war, and ongoing load-shedding. The lack of affordable, reliable, resilient energy sources can wreak havoc on commercial farms’ productivity, profits and ability to scale.