Home » Investment of hybrid solar and battery storage system restores the leading supplier of planting bags in South Africa to its production status before loadshedding

Investment of hybrid solar and battery storage system restores the leading supplier of planting bags in South Africa to its production status before loadshedding

by Tia

Mookgophong, South Africa:

The implementation of a hybrid solar and battery storage system has allowed the leading supplier of planting bags in South Africa to start clearing a 60-tonne production backlog caused by loadshedding, save between 80% and 90% on their previous electricity usage, and improve the livelihoods of 64 families.

Co-founders Koos and Sarie Lancaster moved from Pretoria 30 years ago to open Naboom Plastic, now based in Grootvalley, Mookgophong (formerly Naboomspruit). They started the business with just four extruder machines and a handful of employees in town, personally managing packing and deliveries using a small bakkie. Over the last three decades, the business has grown to become arguably the leading supplier of planting bags in South Africa – exporting to neighbouring countries – as well as one of the largest creators of work in the community, supporting 64 families.

According to Koos Lancaster, the impact of loadshedding on the business was devastating.

The implementation of rolling blackouts created a 60-tonne production backlog, as staff were only able to work limited hours, which resulted in massive production wastage. “Before loadshedding, the manufacturing plant could run for 24 hours. Loadshedding reduced this to 14 hours. Staff shifts had to be reworked to adapt to the schedule of outages, which means staff had to come to work at 03:00 in the morning. This really hit us hard,” says Lancaster.

Blue Energy Africa, a leading South African-based, Africa-focused, developer and operator of embedded clean energy utility infrastructure, invested in implementing a hybrid solar and battery storage system for Naboom Plastic with a total plant capacity of 435 kWp, a battery energy storage system of 858 kWh and a total of 750 000 kWh generated per year (Plant capacity of nearly half a megawatt and 1 megawatt of battery capacity). This provides energy security and operational resilience, resulting in a saving of between 80% and 90% on their previous electricity usage.

Lancaster continues, “Previously, we struggled with energy supply during loadshedding and experienced interruptions from our local municipality outside of scheduled outages. Now, thanks to the continuous operation of our solar plant system, we are running smoothly, 24/7, without any disruptions. This improvement has been instrumental in reducing our production backlog. We can now fulfil orders more quickly, which has had a positive impact on the financial aspect of our business. We have hope again.”

Marcel Steinberg, chief executive officer of Blue Energy, adds, “The story of Naboom Plastic is a story of saving people’s livelihoods. Our recent project here is an example of our real impact in communities, underscoring our dedication to creating resilient, renewable energy systems, which drive sustainability and economic growth.”

Gaia Fund Managers’ Renewables REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust), the first of its kind in Africa, listed on the Cape Town Stock Exchange (CTSE), funded the project.

Says Dr Hendrik Snyman, director and chief investment officer at Gaia, “As an impact manager, this project is an example that investors can profit with purpose; the installation has a positive impact on the environment and the lives of people.”

Naboom Plastic’s bags and sheeting are available in virgin and recycled material, supplied in standard or customised sizes.

Image credit: Patrick Further

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