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Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) is powering sustainable abalone farming

aqunion

Our portfolio company, SPS, is providing an innovative solar power and battery storage solution to one of South Africa’s leading abalone farming businesses, Aqunion. The project, which involves creating a microgrid, will enable Aqunion to become more energy-efficient and better equipped to manage power outages currently facing South African businesses and households.  

The microgrid includes a battery-based energy storage system to deliver up to four hours a day of backup power and a solar panels capable of supplying about 22% of Aqunion’s required annual energy. The project will mean the business can reduce its reliance on diesel generators. 

Construction of the solar system began in November 2023 and the project has now been fully commissioned. The installation of the solar panels, strategically placed over existing abalone tanks, required custom engineering to withstand the corrosive environment close to salt water. 

Rowan Yearsley, CEO of Aqunion, said: “We expect to see our energy costs decrease over time and our reliance on renewable energy increase from 10% to 30%.”  

“This solution not only helps Aqunion during peak operational times but significantly reduces their reliance on diesel generators, reducing the associated emissions,” added Charles Neethling, Business Development Manager at SPS.  

Mark Richards, Interim co-CEO and CFO of Gridworks, said: “This is another great example of how SPS is innovating to enable businesses to sustainably respond to energy challenges. It complements the company’s portfolio of projects with leading firms across South Africa and the rest of the continent.”  

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