Lourensford has reinforced its reputation for conservation of the beautiful natural environment of this well-known wine estate in Somerset West by investing in solar energy. More than R7m has been spent on the installation of a modern 500kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) plant on the roof of the winery.
The installation of the system is part of the long-term strategy to generate more natural energy and in this way contribute to sustainable energy and the protection of the ecosystem. A big bonus is that this also takes the estate a step closer to producing carbon neutral wines.
Lourensford is a Biodiversity and Wine Initiative Champion Winery and belongs to successful South African businessman and entrepreneur Dr Christo Wiese, the driving force behind the PV system, which is now up and running. It is an extension of a well-established program of sustainable agriculture, nature conservation, recycling and the eradication of invasive plants.
“If one is exposed to the incredible natural beauty of Lourensford Estate every day, one cannot but develop a desire to conserve the environment,†says Koos Jordaan, general manager of Lourensford Estate. “Dr Wiese encouraged us to have studies done to evaluate the most sustainable format for the creation of alternative energy. As shareholder of a number of national enterprises he is acutely aware of the need to do business in a more environmentally friendly manner and to obtain alternative sources of energy.