Eskom and the Netherlands launch Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre in Mpumalanga

Eskom and the Government of the Netherlands and key provincial partners will officially launch the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at Grootvlei Power Station in Mpumalanga.

The Centre is a pilot initiative under Eskom’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Programme and marks an important step in linking South Africa’s energy transition with agriculture, climate-smart food production, skills development and new economic opportunities.

The Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre demonstrates how the repurposing of energy-related infrastructure such as coal-fired power stations can support new, future-oriented economic activities beyond the energy sector. By combining clean energy solutions with climate-smart horticulture, the project contributes to job creation, skills development and more resilient local food systems.

Climate-smart horticulture enables food to be produced more efficiently and reliably, using less water and fewer inputs. This is particularly relevant in Mpumalanga, where communities are facing the combined challenges of climate change, water scarcity and economic transition. The Centre will serve as a demonstration and training facility, supporting farmers, technicians and young professionals with practical, market-relevant skills.

The project illustrates how Just Energy Transition can deliver tangible socio-economic benefits by linking the repurposing of energy infrastructure with new, productive land use. Through the development of climate-smart horticulture, the Centre supports alternative livelihoods and inclusive growth, while creating opportunities across the agricultural value chain. From production and training to processing and distribution.

The partnership with the Netherlands reflects a shared focus on practical, integrated solutions. Dutch expertise in high-tech horticulture, efficient water use, energy-smart production systems and the organisation of agricultural value chains is internationally recognised and directly relevant to the challenges faced in Mpumalanga. By combining South African knowledge and local leadership with Dutch expertise, the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre provides a strong foundation for a future agrihub and long-term private sector investments.

What will start as a demonstration and training site is intended to grow over time. The Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre provides a foundation for the development of a future agrihub, bringing together agriculture, energy, skills development and logistics, with increasing involvement of the private sector.

The official launch on 27 January 2026 will include a tour of the facility, demonstrations of climate-smart technologies and engagement with key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.