Almond farm goes solar and battery to cut costs and emissions
In the heart of the New South Wales Riverina region, a vast expanse of trees now plays host to over 10,000 solar panels, accompanied by a cutting-edge battery energy storage system. This innovative setup aims to assist one of the world’s largest almond growers in embracing sustainability.
Located at the Kerarbury almond orchard managed by Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) in Griffith, the 5.99MW solar farm, combined with a 2.3MW/4.5MWh BESS, marks a significant step towards cleaner energy practices.
Transitioning to Renewable Energy
AGL Energy, in collaboration with Trina Solar panels, spearheaded the installation of this pioneering PV and battery system. The project is designed to operate independently while seamlessly integrating with the grid when necessary, with a remarkable potential for up to 83% renewable energy penetration.
Ryan Warburton, AGL Group’s general manager of electrification and innovation, highlighted the company’s commitment to assisting agribusinesses in shifting from traditional energy sources to sustainable alternatives like solar power and battery storage. Each system is customised to suit the unique requirements of the respective farms, with AGL overseeing the operation and maintenance for a 20-year period, enabling OFI to concentrate on almond production at Kerarbury.
Solar Power for Sustainability
The Trina solar panels are equipped with a single-axis tracking mechanism, allowing them to follow the sun’s trajectory throughout the day. This dynamic system, with an anticipated annual solar generation of 14,000MWh, has the potential to power the entire town of Griffith for a year, catering to its nearly 30,000 residents.
Besides catering to the orchard’s energy needs, the hybrid setup will also play a crucial role in AGL Energy’s virtual power plant (VPP), bolstering grid stability and promoting renewable energy integration. AGL currently manages a substantial portfolio of commercial solar and decentralised assets, including battery energy storage systems.
Meeting Global Demand for Almonds
The surge in demand for almond-based products, driven by the popularity of alternative milks, has propelled the global almond market to new heights over the past decade. Valued at approximately US$8.64 billion presently, the market is projected to reach US$11.5 billion by 2030, as per Research and Markets.
Consumers opting for almond milk due to its eco-friendly profile have nudged almond growers towards sustainable practices like on-site solar installations. Despite the higher water consumption associated with almond cultivation compared to other crops, almond milk production boasts the lowest greenhouse gas emissions among popular vegan milk alternatives.
Damien Houlahan, OFI’s head of almonds, emphasised that the solar and battery initiative aligns with the company’s ambitious goal of halving Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. This project complements OFI’s ongoing efforts to enhance water efficiency, preserve pollinator habitats, and maximise renewable energy sources across its Australian orchards.
Such partnerships play a pivotal role in amplifying sustainability efforts throughout the supply chain while supporting the decarbonisation objectives of stakeholders, local businesses, and governmental entities.
