Thusanang Bakone Group operates 54 hectares of irrigated agricultural production, growing barley, soybeans, seed maize, vegetables and beekeeping. Three centre pivots are supplied from the Apies River by two 55 kW pump motors. Pump operation varies depending on which pivots are being irrigated. The business supports 2 permanent and 34 seasonal employment positions.

The project proposes grid-connected solar photovoltaic generation, pump and irrigation efficiency measures, digital energy monitoring, a feasibility-led battery option, and a measurable circular agriculture and green skills programme. It aims to lower Eskom purchases, improve productive resilience and demonstrate an approach that can be shared with other agricultural enterprises. We have installed energy-efficient equipment, which has significantly reduced our ESKOM spending. Our broader energy-saving strategy is to incorporate solar installation, pump upgrades, irrigation improvements, energy monitoring, and a battery backup system.