BKB R8 million Roof-Mounted Solar PV
Port Elizabeth, 27 May 2015 – An R8 million (US$ 667 244) roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting system is to supply clean energy and reduce the South African wool and mohair industry’s carbon footprint and is the initiative of BKB in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Diversified South African agribusiness BKB made the announcement today, giving details of what is set to be one of the biggest solar power installation projects in South Africa.
BKB, which procures, sorts and trades wool and mohair, said the installation will harvest and then introduce solar energy into its handling and shipping facility in Port Elizabeth. It will benefit emerging farmers who are responsible for producing 11 % of the total Southern African wool clip, and 25 % of the mohair clip as well as more established commercial farmers.
The solar PV system, which will cover a total surface area of 3 400 m², is located on the roofs of BKB warehouse buildings which house classing, handling and pressing facilities.
The pitched roof sections of these buildings are now being retrofitted with approximately 4 680 solar panels, each with an output of 100 Watt. The solar array, which is expected to go online next week will generate 40% of the facility’s electricity needs.
“It is the largest grid-tied solar PV system in the Eastern Cape and among the top 10 largest in the country,” according to Rhino Energy director Craig Brehany.
BKB plans to recoup the project’s investment costs over a 10 year period through energy savings of approximately R850 000 (US$ 70 894) per year.
The solar PV system is significant for the country’s wool and mohair industries, and for approximately 28 000 emerging and commercial wool and mohair producers which BKB serves.
“The clean energy supply chain management innovations through our solar PV system will offset the carbon footprint of wool and mohair processed and exported from our facilities. This will enhance the eco credentials of South African wool and mohair handled, pressed and shipped by BKB,” said Jacobus le Roux, BKB head of corporate marketing and public relations.
The initiative forms part of the company’s sustainability strategy and its fifth organisational value which promotes accountability and constant innovation for environmentally friendly sustainable growth.
He said that the rooftop solar PV installation system is another stage of a four phase clean energy strategy with “real benefits and tangible outcomes” at BKB’s facilities in Port Elizabeth. Earlier this year, the company installed energy efficient lights and sensors in the 95 000 m² property.
“We are deeply committed to becoming the country’s leading low-carbon agribusiness. BKB will systematically introduce other initiaitves to introduce cleaner energy over the next fifteen years.”
Le Roux said BKB wants to set the pace and direction for the development of renewable energy alternatives within the South Africa agricultural economy.
“Our clean energy programme is one of several ongoing projects delivering real and meaningful transformation across commercial, social and environmental aspects of the industry and our business,” he said.
Last year, BKB unveiled a public-private partnership initiative of R11 million (US$ 917 461) with the Coega Development Corporation to address unemployment, critical skills shortages in agriculture, and support the transformation of emerging farmers into commercial producers. Upcoming wool producers in rural communities have a 13,53 % ownership in BKB through three empowerment trusts and stocks valued at R19 million.
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Notes
· The project has been rolled out by energy solutions company Rhino Energy, which is among the top three solar PV installation companies in SA
· The project is the largest grid-tied solar PV system in the Eastern Cape, and among the top 10 largest in SA. The projected generation capacity of the project is 750,000kWh per year – enough to continuously power 200 average-sized households
· Quote from Rhino: “These projects are becoming increasingly viable for companies in the wake of the increasing cost of energy, as they can pay for themselves within five to seven years,” said Rhino Energy director Craig Brehany. “This is a major boost for the Nelson Mandela Bay metro in that it assists them in their quest to reduce their energy consumption from the national grid.”
Media Release issued by Meropa Communications PE on behalf of BKB
For further information:
Meropa Communication
BKB
JP Roodt
Media Relations Representative: BKB
jpr@meropa.co.za
Cell: 084 800 3135
W: 041 582 1377
Jacobus Le Roux
General Manager of Corporate Marketing and PR: BKB
jacobus.leroux@bkb.co.za
Cell: 082 411 6316
W: 041 503 3003