TANGANDA Tea Company is warming up to the idea of introducing solar-powered irrigation at its tea plantations following installation of three solar plants with a combined capacity of 4,4 megawatts (MW) meant to alleviate its huge energy bill.
The company, which also produces coffee, macadamia nuts and avocados has been grappling with rolling electricity supply disruptions affecting the entire country and has had to rely on diesel-powered generators to sustain production albeit at a higher cost.
Tanganda has solar plants installed at Ratelshoek Estate generating 1,8MW, Jersey Estate generating 1,4 MW and Tingamira Estate generating 1,2 MW.