WINTER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

A slow dusk arrives on a game lodge in the Free State and as the setting sun disappears, a far-off noise starts to echo over the valley. The volume grows louder and as the roar of a lion comes alive, nature stands in awe. The Eskom grid is down once again, but the night life is not disturbed by the noise of a diesel generator. Unnoticed in the background, a GreenTower ESS solar Energy Security Solution is providing electricity powered by next generation liquid cooled lithium batteries. Eskom electricity tariff increases of more than 8,5% have been approved by Nersa for the next two years with Eskom manipulating pricing to remain profitable. A diesel price beyond R30 per litre is expected from May 2026 with high risk of supply chain disruption due to the war in the Middle East. A recent Engineering News article indicates that the global economy could follow markedly different paths over the next 25 years. “Global GDP growth could slow to about 1,8% a year or rise to 5% a year.” Different scenarios indicate that global trade could fall to about 35% of GDP – near Cold War–era levels — or remain near current levels of about 60%, while low-carbon electricity could account for between 55% to 90% of power generation by 2050. The impact of an AI abundance scenario could more than triple global GDP, growing by about 5% a year from 2025 to 2050, and average working hours fall by about 25%. Additionally, AI-supported advances in new materials and carbon removal puts the world on a delayed, but credible path to net- zero emissions in this scenario. Although the vision for the future remains unclear, the fact remains that the role of agriculture and domestic tourism will become more important in sustaining South Africa’s economy. Currently farms in South Africa are plagued with Eskom electricity supply disruptions: Back-up energy supply fromdiesel generators only is no longer viable. High operating costs and potential shortages of fuel are prompting a new approach . Power purchase agreements Eskom electricity supply disruptions occur for any number of reasons – from loadshedding and load reduction to network faults. In order for game lodges, farms, processing plants, and cold storage facilities to thrive, access to alternative energy is required. However, obtaining upfront capital has been a challenge due to the sizeable investment required. In recent years, innovative financing by means of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) has become viable for businesses through technology improvements and reduced costs. In 2025 multi-billion rands worth of investments were facilitated by a number of specialised funders for solar PV projects with battery energy storage for businesses across South Africa. Ordiphase GreenTower ESS (solar energy security solutions) provides energy as a service by means of a PPA. No capital is required, simply a monthly subscription fee that includes operations and maintenance as well as insurance. A term of between 10 and 15 years is offered whereafter ownership is transferred to the client. Immediate savings cover the monthly fee with accrued savings projected over the term of between 15% and 50% for viable projects. Advances in technology Next generation equipment for solar PV with energy storage that has now become available Additional benefits fromsolar PV infrastructure: Save by consolidating Eskomtransformers Winter 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 100