Eskom, the Government of the Netherlands and key provincial partners will officially launch the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre at the Grootvlei Power Station in Mpumalanga on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 — a pilot project under Eskom’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Programme aimed at aligning South Africa’s energy transition with agricultural innovation, skills development and economic diversification.
The centre, located at the site of the aging Grootvlei coal-fired power station, demonstrates how repurposing legacy energy infrastructure can support new economic activity. The initiative is designed to combine clean energy solutions with climate-smart horticulture, contributing to job creation, training and more resilient local food systems as South Africa shifts away from coal reliance.
Climate-smart horticulture uses modern technologies to produce food more efficiently while reducing inputs like water — a key advantage in parts of Mpumalanga affected by climate change and water scarcity. The centre will operate as a demonstration and training facility, providing hands-on skills to farmers, technicians and young professionals in climate-smart agricultural methods.
Strategic Repurposing for Economic Growth
The project illustrates a broader vision for sustainable repurposing of coal generation sites, linking energy transition strategies with socio-economic upliftment. Designed as a pilot with potential to expand, the centre is expected to lay the groundwork for a future agrihub, integrating production, training, processing and distribution with increased private-sector involvement.
The Netherlands’ participation reflects its long-standing engagement in climate-smart agricultural cooperation with South Africa. The partnership builds on earlier agreements and feasibility studies focused on climate-smart, labour-intensive horticulture development around Grootvlei, intended to support community upliftment as the plant transitions toward closure or repurposing.
Launch Event to Showcase Technology and Engagement
The official launch will include a tour of facilities, live demonstrations of climate-smart technologies and stakeholder engagements with representatives from government, business, agriculture and civil society. The centre’s demonstration greenhouse — established with Dutch technical contributions — will feature as a focal point for illustrating how modern horticulture can take root in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition landscape.
As South Africa continues grappling with energy security, economic transformation and climate resilience, the Grootvlei initiative aims to provide a practical model for leveraging energy infrastructure to drive new careers, strengthen local economies and support food security across the region.
