Latest news with #Hopetown
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Northern Cape mega-farm installs 1MW solar plant to cut costs, boost sustainability
A 1.0868MWp solar power system has been commissioned at Genade Boerdery's Zuurgat Farm near Hopetown in the Northern Cape. The project, developed by Solarise Africa and Broad Sky, is expected to deliver major cost savings, reduce carbon emissions, and support the farm's energy-intensive irrigation and production needs. Large-scale installation for leading farm Genade Boerdery, one of South Africa's most decorated farming operations, has partnered with Solarise Africa and Broad Sky to install a ground-mounted solar plant, consisting of 1,976 Longi 550W panels and eight Huawei 115kW inverters. The system was developed under the Section 12B tax incentive scheme, which supports sustainable energy investments. The farm, operated by the Venter family since 1983, has received awards including GrainSA's Grain Producer of the Year and Top Lucerne Producer. The new system is expected to save an estimated R82.2m over 15 years and avoid 24,171 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Energy resilience for agricultural operations "This project represents the very best of what can be achieved when visionary farmers and innovative energy partners come together," says Sakkie van Wijk, co-founder and COO of Solarise Africa. "It's a landmark initiative – not only because it is our first 12B product, but because Genade Boerdery exemplifies the kind of leadership and stewardship we need in the agricultural sector as we build towards a sustainable future." The solar system is designed to meet the farm's high energy demands, especially for irrigation and production, through a grid-tied setup intended to maximise reliability. "We take great pride in partnering with large-scale farming operations that demand the highest standards of quality and precision," says Cor Wessels, co-owner of Broad Sky, which led the origination and construction of the system. "Working alongside Solarise Africa, we were able to deliver a tailored solar solution that supports the principles of precision farming, leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven systems to enhance productivity and operational efficiency." Precision farming and energy efficiency As one of the largest single-site agricultural solar systems in the region, the project illustrates the growing role of renewable energy in large-scale agriculture. The system is expected to improve resilience to energy price fluctuations and contribute to environmental sustainability. It also served as a catalyst for a second collaboration between Solarise Africa and Broad Sky: the Idstone Solar VSD project, also recently commissioned in the Northern Cape. Sector-wide implications The project highlights how renewable energy solutions tailored to agricultural operations can help reduce operational costs, limit environmental impact, and improve energy security. According to Solarise and Broad Sky, initiatives like this also demonstrate the importance of public-private collaboration and incentive frameworks—such as Section 12B—in supporting the transition to low-carbon agriculture. "This project exemplifies how forward-thinking energy infrastructure is not just a sustainability initiative, but a competitive advantage," says van Wijk. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'I want to thank every one of you' - Lola McEvoy reflects on her first year as an MP
"In Westminster, I've been lobbying ministers and working with the Government to deliver meaningful change that people can see and feel in our region", writes Lola McEvoy, as the Labour MP for Darlington reflects on her first year in office. It has been a wild 12 months, both nationally and internationally. However, my most important takeaway from the last year is probably this: I came into this job believing most people are good and want to do right by their families and their communities. Over the last year you've proven me right time and time again. I've always known Darlington was different - in the best way - and this year, you've shown me how. Growing up in Darlington was great and I'm more determined than ever to deliver on what we all believe in: a safe and secure town and country, where people can live the life they want, well, and where the next generation have more opportunities to succeed that the last. I know there's more to do, but I'm confident that the decisions we've taken this year will bear fruit for generations to come, and I'm determined to keep the pressure on to do my best by our town. Locally, I've been hard at work bringing projects to life for the town. Only last week, I was proud to play my part in our bi-centenary celebrations, partnering with Darlington Cares and businesses to launch the Hopetown Golden Ticket scheme, which gives every primary pupil in Darlington a free ticket to enjoy the Wagon Woods playground at Hopetown. I've also been campaigning to keep our young people safe online. My Darlington Online Safety Forum has made national news and next week I'm bringing the young leaders from the forum to Parliament. They will meet the Secretary of State Peter Kyle MP, so that they can tell him directly what needs to change to keep them safe online. Improving lives in Darlington has been at the heart of everything I do. Since the election, I've sent over 12,000 emails and letters, including responding to almost 5,500 policy enquiries and supporting people with over 1,200 personal casework issues. In Westminster, I've been lobbying ministers and working with the Government to deliver meaningful change that people can see and feel in our region. I've spoken almost 100 times in Parliament raising the issues that you've brought to me. There is still much to be done but Labour has already secured some big wins and I hope people can see we're heading in the right direction. Here are just some examples: investing £4 billion in world leading carbon capture industry at Teesside, delivering massive improvements in workers' and renters' rights, securing the future of the Hitachi manufacturing plant, delivering 4 million NHS appointments (2 million more than our own target), investing £1bn in local transport funding for the Tees Valley, delivering a record rise in the minimum wage, bringing NHS waiting times down to the lowest level in two years, expanding nursery capacity (with four new government-funded school-based nurseries in Darlington alone), investing £20 million in Darlington neighbourhoods, extending free school meals and giving the NHS the biggest capital investment it has ever seen. These are all policies that will make a real difference to the lives of people in Darlington and across the North East, and we're just getting started. On the economy we are starting to see signs of recovery too. We've had four interest rate cuts this year, meaning the costs of mortgages are going down, while business confidence is the highest it's been in almost a decade. We've provided certainty with our ten-year infrastructure strategy and our modern industrial strategy (in which Darlington is specifically mentioned), both of which underpin our relentless pursuit of economic growth. These plans have paved the way for a local economy and jobs boom in Darlington and across the region. It is up to us now to press forward and seize the opportunity. Recommended Reading: Darlington pupils to get free admission to 'fantastic' playpark in summer holidays Private car parking regulation 'long overdue' with Darlington issues 'tip of iceberg' On this day in 2024: Darlington Labour MP candidate launches campaign I want to end with a thank you. Firstly, to my team, who go above and beyond every day. Secondly to every business, charity and organisation that I've met – you are the shining examples of good employers, community assets and innovative entrepreneurs we need more of in this country. It has been a joy to get to know you better. Lastly, I want to thank every one of you whom I've met and who have contacted me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your stories with me. I've always known Darlington is a special place, but over the last year, you've shown me why.
