Transformative Innovation on a Potato Farm: ATESS Powers Sustainable Farming in South Africa

In September 2023, ATESS unveiled a game-changing 500 kW, 1MWh energy storage system within a potato farm at Velddrif-Klipfontein, South Africa. This pioneering installation marked a significant shift away from diesel reliance, primarily designed to provide backup during Eskom load sheddings to cover the cost of the diesel generator.

A potato farm at Velddrif-Klipfontein, South Africa with its 520 kWp PV system

Paired seamlessly with the farm's 520 kWp PV system, the ATESS energy storage setup features cutting-edge components like the ATESS PC500 battery inverter, the ATESS Bypass500 bypass cabinet, and the ATESS DC cabinet, and 1 MWh ATESS battery system. This system empowers critical farm operations, from potato production to irrigation, packaging, and cold room functionality, ensuring a consistent base load of 180 kW nightly and a dynamic peak load of 220 kW to 230 kW during daylight hours.

ATESS PC500 battery inverter

ATESS Bypass500 bypass cabinet

ATESS DC cabinet

One of the system's marvels lies in its intelligent utilization of surplus PV energy for battery charging, strategically cycling batteries during rare, expensive periods while maintaining ample reserve capacity. This smart approach not only mitigates night-time load shedding but also optimizes daytime energy utilization. This system covers up to 60% of the farm's total energy demand. Notably, the system's seamless operation has effortlessly navigated even under the challenges of stage 6 load shedding, ensuring uninterrupted irrigation performance crucial for agricultural productivity.

Farmers are packing the potatoes for the market

Furthermore, the VSDs (variable speed drives) alongside big water pumps are installed across irrigated fields. The generator's activation only occurs when the battery isn't fully charged due to adverse weather conditions, showcasing the ATESS system's adaptability and fuel-saving capabilities.

Irrigation system on the fields

The farm's enthusiastic endorsement of the ATESS system underscores its transformative impact, with the ATESS inverter and battery forging a robust communication network for optimal performance. Projections estimate an impressive annual power generation of 1,422 MWh, accompanied by a substantial reduction of 1,440 tons in carbon dioxide emissions—a testament to ATESS's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and agricultural resilience.

In harnessing innovation to drive sustainability, ATESS sets a sample for energy storage systems in agricultural advancement, empowering farms to thrive sustainably while reducing environmental impact.