The Impact of Load-Shedding on Agriculture

Load-shedding has had a devastating impact on the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on electricity to pump water for irrigation, power centre-pivot irrigation systems, and store produce in temperature-controlled rooms. Dairy farming, chicken farms, and abattoirs have also been severely affected, leading to significant increases in costs and prices.

Private Power to the Rescue

Fortunately, the lifting of licensing thresholds for private generation facilities has enabled farmers to adopt solar power as a low-cost alternative. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa’s) recent lists of registered private facilities show many in the agricultural industry, with 49 entities registering photovoltaic solar plants in 2023.

Gliimo’s Solutions for the Agricultural Sector

Gliimo, a leading installer of renewable energy solutions, offers a range of agricultural power generation solutions designed to help farmers overcome the challenges of load-shedding. Their solutions include:

• Solar-powered irrigation systems
• Energy storage systems for backup power during outages
• Grid-tied systems for reduced energy costs
• Off-grid systems for remote farming areas

By leveraging Gliimo’s expertise and solutions, farmers can reduce their reliance on fuel-powered generators, decrease energy costs, and increase their yields.

A Brighter Future for South African Agriculture

The adoption of renewable energy solutions in the agricultural sector is a positive trend that is likely to continue. With the help of companies like Gliimo, farmers can ensure a stable and sustainable food supply, despite the challenges posed by load-shedding.