Study into the feasibility and design of a renewable energy portfolio for the Klein Constantia Wine
Master Thesis
2012
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
The South African wine industry has seen a growing interest in the field of renewable energy in recent years. This has been due, in part, to rising energy costs a long with increased public and consumer awareness around the issues of global warming and sustainability. This project was conceived in the light of these developments, and centres on an investigation into the feasibility and design of a renewable - energy portfolio for the Klein Constantia Wine Estate, located in the Western Cape. A literature survey was undertaken, shedding light on the common uses of energy on wine farms, renewable energy initiatives within the industry and the technologies available. A case study was then conducted using Klein Constanta Wine Estate as the subject. Physical measurements were taken where possible and, along with a combination of topographical, satellite and local climate data , were used to develop estimates f or the energy - generation potential of the farm's renewable resources and the cost implications thereof. Following this, a qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted to determine the most favourable technologies from a portfolio design perspective. From these findings, three potential portfolio designs were developed, each covering varying degrees of the farm's energy consumption. Based on the se final designs, it was concluded that there was indeed significant potential for investment in renewable energy at Klein Constantia; and that the farm could more than cover its energy requirements. While the financial returns would be minimal, with relatively long payback - periods, the secondary benefits to the farm were considered to be sufficient to justify the investments. The final decision, however, would likely rest on the weight given to the secondary benefits by the farm owners. It was also determined that, in the case of Klein Constantia, the larger the investment the less secure it would be. This was primarily due to the need for higher - risk and more expensive technology options being required when the energy target was raised. With this in mind a renewable energy portfolio, covering only the farm's electricity use, was found to be the most favourable option available to the farm.
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Leisegang, D. 2012. Study into the feasibility and design of a renewable energy portfolio for the Klein Constantia Wine. University of Cape Town.