From Coal to Climate-Smart Agriculture
In the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, a unique transition is taking shape. As the coal-powered Grootvlei power station prepares for closure under South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, new opportunities are being created for local communities through sustainable horticulture, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
To support this transition, Seed2Feed Foundation is coordinating the Grootvlei Horticulture Expertise Facility (GHEF) together with Dutch and South African partners. The project combines climate-smart horticultural technologies, practical training, and business development to create new pathways for employment and economic growth.
Official Launch
On 27 January, the Grootvlei Horticulture Expertise Facility was officially opened by South Africa’s Minister of Energy and Electricity and the Dutch Vice-Minister of Agriculture.
Hosted by ESKOM, the event brought together government representatives, local authorities, community leaders, businesses, and international partners to celebrate the start of a project that connects food security, sustainable development, and economic opportunity.
Building a Horticultural Training Hub
At the heart of the project is a 0.5-hectare high-tech greenhouse demonstrating Dutch climate-smart horticultural technologies.
The greenhouse serves as a practical learning environment where trainees can gain hands-on experience in modern vegetable production, water management, climate control, and agribusiness development.
The facility is already producing tomatoes and is operated by local personnel under the supervision of EARN Grootvlei Agric and project partners.
Demonstration, Training and Entrepreneurship
The GHEF is more than a greenhouse.
The 5-hectare training area will include:
• Open-field demonstration plots
• Low- and medium-tech production systems
• Tunnels and nethouses
• Training classrooms
• A packhouse for post-harvest handling and value addition
Training programmes will support local community members, former ESKOM employees, aspiring entrepreneurs, and horticultural professionals.
Participants will gain practical skills that can lead to employment opportunities or support them in starting their own agribusiness ventures.
Creating a Climate-Smart Agrihub
The greenhouse and training centre form part of a larger 20-hectare Agrihub developed on ESKOM-owned land.
While 5 hectares are dedicated to training and demonstration, the remaining area is planned for commercial horticulture, renewable energy solutions, and private sector investment opportunities.
Future plans include the establishment of a professional nursery to supply high-quality young plants to growers in the region.
Long-Term Impact
The Grootvlei project demonstrates how climate-smart agriculture can contribute to a just and inclusive transition.
Over time, the horticultural value chain in the region could expand to more than 200 hectares, creating opportunities for:
• Job creation and entrepreneurship
• Sustainable food production
• Increased rural incomes
• Skills development for youth and communities
• Water-efficient and climate-resilient agriculture
Throughout this growth, partners remain committed to protecting the surrounding wetland ecosystem and ensuring responsible water management.
Seed2Feed’s Role
As project coordinator, Seed2Feed connects partners, facilitates collaboration, and supports the transfer of knowledge and expertise between Dutch and South African stakeholders.
The project reflects Seed2Feed’s mission to strengthen sustainable food systems in Africa by combining climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, training, and international cooperation.
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals
