- New pilot links South Africa’s energy transition with agriculture, skills development and local economic growth.
- Repurposed power station infrastructure showcases climate smart food production and clean energy integration.
- Project lays the groundwork for a future agrihub and private sector investment in Mpumalanga.
Eskom, the Government of the Netherlands and key provincial partners will officially launch the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at Eskom’s Grootvlei Power Station in Mpumalanga.
The Centre is a pilot initiative under Eskom’s Just Energy Transition programme and represents a practical example of how South Africa’s energy transition can be aligned with agriculture, climate resilience, skills development and new economic opportunities.
Located at a coal fired power station site, the project demonstrates how energy related infrastructure can be repurposed to support future focused economic activity beyond electricity generation. By integrating clean energy solutions with climate smart horticulture, the Centre contributes to job creation, technical skills development and the strengthening of local food systems.
Climate smart horticulture enables more efficient and reliable food production while reducing water use and input costs. This approach is particularly relevant in Mpumalanga, where communities face the combined pressures of climate change, water scarcity and economic restructuring. The Centre will operate as a demonstration and training facility, offering practical and market relevant skills to farmers, technicians and young professionals.
The initiative highlights how the Just Energy Transition can deliver tangible socio economic benefits by linking the repurposing of power station infrastructure with productive land use. Through climate smart horticulture, the project supports alternative livelihoods, inclusive growth and opportunities across the agricultural value chain, including production, training, processing and distribution.
Collaboration with the Netherlands brings internationally recognised expertise in advanced horticulture systems, efficient water management, energy efficient production and the organisation of agricultural value chains. This expertise is directly applicable to the challenges and opportunities in Mpumalanga. Combined with South African leadership and local knowledge, the partnership provides a strong foundation for long term development.
While the Centre will initially operate as a demonstration and training site, it is designed to expand over time. The Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre is expected to form the basis of a future agrihub that integrates agriculture, energy, skills development and logistics, with growing participation from the private sector.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
