Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate
Stellenbosch, Cape Town
The ambition
Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate is a prominent winery located in Stellenbosch, which is part of the Cape Winelands region near Cape Town. This historic estate has a rich heritage dating back to the early 18th century when it was established by Dutch settlers. Vergenoegd means “content/satisfied” in Dutch and was the original name of the farm while the Löw in Vergenoegd Löw refers to the current ownership by Prof Dr. Peter Löw. The estate specialises in producing premium red and white wines, with a focus on varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine production journey involves energy-intensive stages, from grape crushing to fermentation, bottling and storage, necessitating a reliable power supply. Interruptions or power fluctuations could jeopardise wine quality, impacting the entire production chain. Additionally, vineyard management heavily relies on technology for irrigation, cellar climate control and vineyard machinery, all requiring a consistent power supply. Maintaining precise conditions for grape cultivation, including heating, cooling and lighting, demands energy.
One of the distinctive features of Vergenoegd Löw is its commitment to environmental stewardship. The estate is known for its innovative approach to pest control, employing a flock of over 1,400 Indian Runner ducks to naturally manage pests in the vineyards.
Continuing their commitment to sustainability, the winery initiated a green power journey by undertaking multiple solar PV projects, one with an especially strong agrivoltaics focus, and a 25-hectare wetland conservation area on the farm. This included the incorporation of ground and roof solar PV arrays, along with the implementation of a battery energy storage solution (BESS). We are excited to be Vergenoegd Low's sustainability partners, and are now implementing a fifth phase of solar energy solutions for the business.
The solution
We are honoured that our client entrust additional phases in their green energy journey to us, forming a long-term partnership. At every project stage, we conducted comprehensive energy audits, thoroughly assessing the estate's energy consumption patterns in vineyard management, wine production and facility operations.
The suitability of the selected sites and locations for solar panel installations, considering factors such as available sunlight, shading and structural stability, was also meticulously evaluated. By optimising the placement and efficiency of the ground south-facing and roof east, west and north-facing solar panels, the winery can maximise energy yield and maintain operations. The solar panels act as a resilient and independent energy source, reducing the estate's dependence on conventional power grids and ensuring operations when the conventional power grid is disrupted.
A detailed review of the winery's compatibility and integration of an energy storage solution into the existing solar infrastructure was carried out to evaluate their peak energy demand periods to optimise the discharge of stored energy during high-usage times. This solution provides improved self-consumption of solar-generated electricity, leading to cost-savings and increased sustainability, and provides the estate with a continuous power supply during times of interrupted Eskom power supply.
Our financial analysis showed that by generating their own electricity, the winery saves money and ensures stable costs over time. This proactive approach helps them avoid unpredictable utility expenses. By relying on self-generated power, the winery secures its financial stability in the long run, reducing dependence on external factors that might cause operational costs to fluctuate. It's an energy strategy that not only contributes to stabilising operational costs, but also positions the winery strategically in terms of long-term financial stability.
206.85kWp
Total installed capacity
542
Solar panels installed
300kWh
Battery capacity
"At RenEnergy, we believe in fostering long-term partnerships with our clients, and this relationships aligns with our shared commitment to sustainability. Working together, we've integrated solar solutions to not only enhance Vergenoegd Löw's operational efficiency, but also contribute to the winery's strong commitment to eco-friendly operations. Cheers to your strong strides towards sustainability."
Claude Peters, Managing Director, RenEnergy Africa
“An investment in energy is a costly exercise. Considering that we have the sun as our most valuable source of energy, solar is the preferred action for renewable energy. It is important to know that your supplier and installer understand your network and needs. RenEnergy has proven over time to be a reputable company specialising in solar power generation. By listening to and understanding our needs they ensure that the after service is of the highest standard.”
Corius Visser, Managing Director,
Vergenoegd Löw
CO2
Estimated annual savings of
417,554 kg CO2*
Which is equivalent to 417 hot air balloons – sized 500m3
The benefits
Nature positive installations with a strong Environmental, Social Governance (ESG) and agrivoltaic focus
Long-term financial stability by minimising exposure to fluctuating utility costs
Significant cost savings through self-generated solar power
Efficient peak demand management contributes to overall operational cost management
Optimised solar panel placement for maximum energy yield
Reduced dependence on conventional power and fossil fuel for increased control
Enhanced energy resilience with a reliable energy source, for continued operations during grid disruptions such as load shedding, load reduction or vandalism
Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate
Stellenbosch, Cape Town
*Note that all estimated performance figures are calculated using industry-standard systems and norms, assume ideal operating conditions, and were estimated as at the time of the installation. CO2 equivalent analogies source.