South Africa Wine Research Projects 2026

3. OENOLOGY RESEARCH COMPLETED PROJECT

WINERY ENERGY SAVINGS – REDUCING WINERY FUEL AND ELECTRICITY COSTS UWC BB 23-01 Prof Ben Bladergroen, South African Institute for Advanced Material Chemistry, Energy Storage and Fluid Treatment Centre, University of the Western Cape Project is co-funded by the Department of Science and Innovation Project completed: 2025 AIM AND INDUSTRY RELEVANCE: This project investigated how South African wineries could reduce energy costs and improve operational resilience through investment in renewable energy solutions, including solar photo voltaic (PV), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and thermal storage. In response to rising electricity tariffs and increased reliance on diesel generators during load shedding, the study aimed to provide practical, data-driven decision-support guidance for wineries seeking to improve sustainability and cost efficiency. Particular emphasis was placed on site-specific factors such as geographic location, electrical load profiles, Eskom tariff structures, and the seasonal nature of winery operations, especially the high energy demand associated with cooling processes. A case study approach was implemented at a winery, where energy monitoring devices were designed, fabricated, and installed to capture a full year of electrical load data for 2023. These devices recorded detailed electricity consumption across key processes and equipment, enabling the development of an accurate load profile and cost baseline. The data was analysed using the Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software, which modelled six alter native energy scenarios incorporating different combinations of PV, BESS, and AgriPV systems. A techno-economic analysis was conducted using metrics such as internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), operating costs, and payback periods. Cooling systems were identified as the dominant energy consumer, accounting for more than 50% of total usage, highlighting a critical opportunity for optimisation through targeted interventions such as thermal storage. The modelling demonstrated a strong business case for renewable energy investments, even without load shedding. The lowest operating costs were achieved through a combined AgriPV and BESS solution, significantly reducing annual expenditure. Additional benefits of AgriPV included improved PV efficiency, enhanced crop quality, pest control, and reduced water use. The project also supported the development of a locally manufactured, cost-effective three-

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SOUTH AFRICA WINE RESEARCH 2026