Mpumalanga provincial govt issues tender for agrivoltaics

The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, and Environmental Affairs has issued a tender for the development of agrivoltaics in the province North-East of South Africa.

According to the published tender, the provincial government has identified potential opportunities for agrivoltaics projects at both primary and secondary agricultural production sites, spanning various farms and agro-processing facilities.

Agrivoltaics are an innovative approach that combines agriculture and solar energy production on the same land. This dual-use system involves installing solar panels above crops or grazing areas, allowing farmers to generate renewable energy while continuing agricultural activities. The solar panels provide shade, which can benefit certain crops and livestock, while the land beneath them remains productive.

Mpumalanga ideal province for agrivoltaics

The Mpumalanga government is inviting interested developers to establish, manage, and operate agrivoltaic systems across Mpumalanga.

The proposed sites include agrihubs, agriparks, and fresh produce markets, totaling 10 locations. These agrivoltaic installations aim to reduce the dependence of agricultural properties on the local power grid, which has recently faced instability due to frequent power outages, jeopardizing farmers’ profitability.

Expression of interest documents are available from the provincial government for a non-refundable fee of ZAR 200 ($10.87).

A mandatory briefing session is scheduled to take place at the Riverside Office Park on March 18, 2025. The deadline for proposal submissions is April 10, 2025.

Mpumalanga, a province known for its rich agricultural heritage, is an ideal candidate for agrivoltaics due to its strong farming sector and abundant sunlight. The region’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, including crop farming, livestock, and agro-processing, making energy stability crucial for productivity.