Improving resource productivity in Western Cape agri-processing

The Resource Productivity (RP) project by GreenCape identifies high-impact green technology opportunities for agri-processing in the Western Cape, with a particular focus on the fruit sector. The project developed three business cases: solar PV for packhouses, solar thermal for industrial heating, and the bioconversion of organic waste into insect protein for animal feed. Findings indicate that solar PV is financially viable for large packhouses and that solar thermal can significantly reduce fuel costs, as 79% of the sector's energy demand is for heat. The report also highlights the potential for biogas and insect protein to create thousands of jobs and generate substantial GDP contributions while diverting organic waste from landfills. Strategic recommendations for the Western Cape Government include supporting local technology development, streamlining waste regulations, and promoting the use of insect meal in aquaculture.

• Solar PV installations for packhouses are financially viable, particularly for large-scale systems (500 kWp), and can be further unlocked through performance-based contracts with Energy Service Companies (ESCos) to overcome capital costs.
• There is a significant opportunity for solar thermal applications in agri-processing because 79% of the energy demand in the food, beverages, and tobacco sector is for heat, mostly requiring temperatures below 150°C.
• The production of insect protein from organic waste for animal feed could contribute R500 million to the Western Cape GDP and create 260 jobs, with the highest potential impact seen in the aquaculture sector.
• Realising the biogas potential from agricultural wastes in the Western Cape could create between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs and provide R400 million in value, while helping businesses avoid waste disposal costs associated with new landfill regulations.
• The project advocates for a 'value-add hierarchy' for bio-based residues, arguing that high-value applications should be prioritised over waste-to-energy (power and heat) to ensure maximum economic development.
• The fruit sector was prioritised for green technology uptake due to its economic significance, contributing over R8 billion to the economy and exporting approximately 80% of its products.

APA

Basson, L., van Vuuren, P. J., & Pineo, C. (2016). Improving resource productivity in Western Cape agri-processing. GreenCape. https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Resource-Productivity-Project-Executive-Summary-v7-3.pdf

Chicago

Basson, Lauren, Pieter Janse van Vuuren, and Cathy Pineo. Improving resource productivity in Western Cape agri-processing. GreenCape, 2016. https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Resource-Productivity-Project-Executive-Summary-v7-3.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Basson |first1=Lauren |last2=van Vuuren |first2=Pieter Janse |last3=Pineo |first3=Cathy |title=Improving resource productivity in Western Cape agri-processing |publisher=GreenCape |date=March 2016 |url=https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Resource-Productivity-Project-Executive-Summary-v7-3.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{basson2016improving, author = {Basson, Lauren and van Vuuren, Pieter Janse and Pineo, Cathy}, title = {{Improving resource productivity in Western Cape agri-processing}}, institution = {GreenCape}, year = {2016}, month = mar, url = {https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Resource-Productivity-Project-Executive-Summary-v7-3.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }