Johannesburg, South Africa – 11 June 2024 – Decentral Energy, a leading independent power producer (IPP), today announced the successful commissioning of a 1 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the GWK Farm Foods Christiana Maize Mill. This comes after the signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) between Decentral Energy and GWK Farm Foods less than six months ago, highlighting the efficiency and speed with which renewable energy solutions can be implemented.

GWK Farm Foods, originally a division of the GWK Group, is now part of the larger food processing business of the VKB Group, VKB Agri Processors, after the merger of the GWK and VKB Groups in May 2023.

The ground-mounted, grid-tied solar PV system, designed and constructed by EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor Energy Gurus, will significantly reduce Farm Foods Christiana Maize Mill's reliance on traditional grid power and contribute to their sustainability and energy security goals. The 1 MWp capacity translates to substantial cost savings for GWK and a positive environmental impact through reduced carbon emissions.

“We are thrilled to partner with GWK Farm Foods and play a role in powering their Christiana Maize Mill with clean, reliable solar energy,” said Christian Bode, Executive Director of Decentral Energy. “This project showcases the swiftness with which renewable energy solutions can be implemented, offering immediate cost and environmental benefits.”

Philip Labuschagne, Executive Director of grain processing at VKB Agri Processors, added, “sustainability and energy security are important to ensure efficiency and productivity, especially in a milling environment. This solar PV system is a significant step forward in reducing GWK Farm Foods' environmental footprint and improving the security of electricity supply. We commend Decentral Energy and Energy Gurus for their expertise and efficiency in bringing this project to fruition in such a short timeframe.”

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