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{{Short description|Solar thermal power plant with hydroponic greenhouse system}}
⚫ '''Sundrop Farms''' is a developer, owner and operator of high tech greenhouse facilities which use a number of technology solutions to grow crops with less reliance on finite natural resources than conventional greenhouse production.<ref>{{Cite web|title = The Q&A: John Phinney of Sundrop Farms|url = http://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/knowledge/publications/132193/the-qa-john-phinney-of-sundrop-farms|website = www.nortonrosefulbright.com|accessdate = 2016-01-05|language = en-gb}}</ref> Sundrop Farms opened its first pilot facility in Port Augusta, South Australia, in 2010 (operating as Seawater Greenhouse Australia Pty Ltd). This facility was originally designed as a ], however significant technology changes led to the Sundrop System, and the dissolution of the joint venture with Seawater Greenhouse Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Growing food in the desert: is this the solution to the world's food crisis?|url = https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/nov/24/growing-food-in-the-desert-crisis|website = the Guardian|accessdate = 2016-01-05|first = Jonathan|last = Margolis}}</ref> Sundrop Farms commissioned an expanded 20 ha facility south of Port Augusta in 2016. Sundrop Farms has offices in London, UK and Adelaide, Australia.
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2024}}
{{use dmy dates |date=July 2023}}
⚫ '''Sundrop Farms''' is a developer, owner and operator of high tech greenhouse facilities which grow crops using methods which reduce reliance on finite natural resources when compared to conventional greenhouse production.<ref>{{Cite web|title = The Q&A: John Phinney of Sundrop Farms|url = http://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/knowledge/publications/132193/the-qa-john-phinney-of-sundrop-farms|website = www.nortonrosefulbright.com|access-date = 2016-01-05|language = en-gb}}</ref> Sundrop Farms opened its first pilot facility in ], in 2010 (operating as Seawater Greenhouse Australia Pty Ltd). This facility was originally designed as a ]. However, significant technology changes led to the Sundrop System, and the dissolution of the joint venture with Seawater Greenhouse Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Growing food in the desert: is this the solution to the world's food crisis?|url = https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/nov/24/growing-food-in-the-desert-crisis|website = the Guardian|access-date = 2016-01-05|first = Jonathan|last = Margolis|date = 24 November 2012}}</ref> Sundrop Farms commissioned an expanded 20 ha facility south of Port Augusta in 2016. Sundrop Farms has offices in London, UK and Adelaide, Australia. In October 2016, Sundrop Farms was operating greenhouses in ], the ] and had another facility planned in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-01/sundrop-farms-opens-solar-greenhouse-using-no-fresh-water/7892866|title='First in the world': Solar-powered greenhouse growing food without fresh water|last=Staight|first=Kerry|date=2016-10-01|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-11-12}}</ref>


== Sundrop system == == Sundrop system ==
The primary inputs to a greenhouse are heat, electricity, water, and nutrients. The Sundrop System is a collection of technologies which, when used in combination, reduce the need for finite resources in these inputs versus conventional greenhouse production. In Sundrop Farms’ first facilities in South Australia, these technologies include concentrated solar power, thermal desalination, and steam-driven electricity generation.<ref name="Sundrop System - Sundrop Farms">{{Cite web|title = Sundrop System - Sundrop Farms|url = http://www.sundropfarms.com/sundrop-system/|website = Sundrop Farms|accessdate = 2016-01-05|language = en-US}}</ref> This is the first combined heat, power, and water system powered by solar energy for greenhouse production. The primary inputs to a greenhouse are heat, electricity, water, and nutrients. The Sundrop System is a collection of technologies which, when used in combination, reduce the need for finite resources in these inputs versus conventional greenhouse production. In Sundrop Farms’ first facilities in South Australia, these technologies include concentrated solar power, thermal desalination, and steam-driven electricity generation.<ref name="Sundrop System - Sundrop Farms">{{Cite web|title = Sundrop System - Sundrop Farms|url = http://www.sundropfarms.com/sundrop-system/|website = Sundrop Farms|access-date = 2016-01-05|language = en-US}}</ref> This is the first combined heat, power, and water system powered by solar energy for greenhouse production.


== Commercial expansion in Australia == == Commercial expansion in Australia ==
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| image = 160411 Whole Site Aerial.jpg | image = 160411 Whole Site Aerial.jpg
⚫ | image_caption = 20 hectare expansion project, Port Augusta, South Australia
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⚫ | image_caption = 20 hectare Expansion Project, Port Augusta, South Australia
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| coordinates = {{coord|32|32|51.4|S|137|50|48.1|E|region:AU-SA_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | coordinates = {{coord|32|32|51.4|S|137|50|48.1|E|region:AU-SA_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| country = Australia | country = Australia
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As of 2015, Sundrop Farms is constructing a 20 hectare solar-powered greenhouse facility near its original site, south of ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transcontinental.com.au/story/3810605/solar-tower-reaches-new-heights/ |title=Solar tower reaches new heights|author=Fairfax Regional Media|date=24 March 2016|work=The Transcontinental|accessdate=24 March 2016}}</ref> This facility, scheduled for completion in 2016, is expected to produce 15,000 tons of truss tomatoes each year to supply the Australian supermarket operator ] under a ten-year contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Kohlberg Kravis Diversifies: Invests $100M in Sundrop Farms - Analyst Blog|url = http://www.nasdaq.com/article/kohlberg-kravis-diversifies-invests-100m-in-sundrop-farms-analyst-blog-cm419783|website = NASDAQ.com|accessdate = 2015-10-14}}</ref> Sundrop Farms operations will be primarily powered by a new ] power plant and seawater will be withdrawn from ] and desalinated to feed produce. The project was expected to generate around 100 jobs during the construction of the greenhouse facility (underway as at October 2015) and approximately 200 jobs once operational. In 2014, private equity firm ] invested $100 million in the company. The development has been supported by the ] which has provided approximately $6 million in grant funding. A $150 million development contract was awarded to ] in 2014 to construct the expanded facility over an 18-24 month time-frame<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Council%20Meeting%20Minutes%2015%2012%202014.pdf|title = MINUTES OF PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014|date = 2014-12-15|accessdate = 2015-10-19|website = |publisher = Port Augusta City Council|last = |first = }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url = http://www.vanderhoeven.nl/download/In-de-pers/PHG-Sundrop.pdf|title = Fossil Free Future|last = Brown-Paul|first = Christine|date = 2015-01-01|journal = Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses|doi = |pmid = |access-date = 2015-10-19|issue = 151}}</ref> and the total project cost is an estimated $205 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/upload/mdd/infocus-2014-15.pdf|title = In Focus - South Australian Major Developments 2014/15 (p44)|date = |accessdate = 2015-10-23|website = |publisher = Government of South Australia|last = |first = }}</ref> In 2015, Sundrop Farms constructed a 20 hectare solar-powered greenhouse facility near its original site, south of ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transcontinental.com.au/story/3810605/solar-tower-reaches-new-heights/ |title=Solar tower reaches new heights|author=Fairfax Regional Media|date=24 March 2016|work=The Transcontinental|access-date=24 March 2016}}</ref> This facility, completed in 2016, produces over 15,000 tonnes of truss tomatoes (on the vine) each year to supply the Australian supermarket operator ] under a ten-year contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Kohlberg Kravis Diversifies: Invests $100M in Sundrop Farms - Analyst Blog|url = http://www.nasdaq.com/article/kohlberg-kravis-diversifies-invests-100m-in-sundrop-farms-analyst-blog-cm419783 |website = NASDAQ.com|access-date = 2015-10-14}}</ref> Sundrop Farms operations are primarily powered by a ] power plant and seawater withdrawn from ] and desalinated to feed produce. The project was expected to generate around 100 jobs during the construction of the greenhouse facility (in 2015) and approximately 200 jobs once operational. In 2014, private equity firm ] invested $100 million in the company. The development was supported by the ] which provided approximately $6 million in grant funding. A $150 million development contract was awarded to ] in 2014 to construct the expanded facility over an 18-24 month time-frame<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Council%20Meeting%20Minutes%2015%2012%202014.pdf |title = MINUTES OF PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014|date = 2014-12-15|access-date = 2015-10-19|publisher = Port Augusta City Council}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url = http://www.vanderhoeven.nl/download/In-de-pers/PHG-Sundrop.pdf |title = Fossil Free Future|last = Brown-Paul|first = Christine|date = 2015-01-01|journal = Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses|access-date = 2015-10-19|issue = 151}}</ref> and the total project cost is an estimated $205 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/upload/mdd/infocus-2014-15.pdf |title = In Focus - South Australian Major Developments 2014/15 (p44)|access-date = 2015-10-23|publisher = Government of South Australia}}</ref>

The $175 million, highly productive "farm" opened in June 2016 and produces 10-15 per cent of Australia's truss tomatoes to Coles.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/weekend-australian-magazine/this-is-the-future-of-farming/news-story/99fd0a207d8b6aa0768c32fd61b3d00e?nk=79cb878a5af9ff0ee35df7597b07452a-1545556905 |title = The future of farming|date = 12 August 2016|publisher = The Australian }}</ref> In May 2019, it was sold to ]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-05-15/port-augusta-sundrop-farms-sold-to-investment-fund-morrison-co/11108046 |title=Futuristic renewable-energy agribusiness Sundrop Farms sells to trans-Tasman investment firm |work=] |date=15 May 2019 |access-date=22 July 2019}}</ref> It employs 300 people.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Kurt |title=Good taste and food security: How Sundrop used solar to bring tomatoes to the desert |url=https://reneweconomy.com.au/good-taste-and-food-security-how-sundrop-rewrote-rules-of-tomato-crops/ |website=RenewEconomy |language=en-AU |date=29 May 2021}}</ref>


=== Concentrated solar power === === Concentrated solar power ===
Sundrop Farms' 20 hectare expanded facility is powered by an Integrated Energy System based on the concentrated solar power (CSP) technology.<ref>http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/solar_thermal_electric/aalborg-csp-begins-construction-of-worlda-s-20151014</ref> The system is designed and delivered by Danish renewable energy specialist, ], and it is the first large-scale CSP-based technology in the world to provide multiple energy streams – heating, fresh water and electricity – for horticultural activities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-tower-goes-up-in-australian-desert-ready-to-power-sundrop-farms-99173/ |title=Solar power tower goes up in Australian desert, ready to grow tomatoes |first=Sophie |last=Vorrath |date=24 March 2016 |newspaper=RenewEconomy}}</ref> The 51,500m2 solar field comprises ]’s Solar Collector System.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Sundrop Farms Port Augusta Expansion|url = http://www.esolar.com/projects/sundrop-farms-port-augusta-expansion/|website = eSolar|accessdate = 2015-10-14}}</ref> ] in October 2016,<ref>https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602574/a-desert-full-of-tomatoes-thanks-to-solar-power-and-seawater/</ref><ref>https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/120m-pound-state-of-the-art-tomato-farm-opens-in-australia.htm</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.newscientist.com/article/2108296-first-farm-to-grow-veg-in-a-desert-using-only-sun-and-seawater/ |title=First farm to grow veg in a desert using only sun and seawater|work=New Scientist|accessdate=8 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ing.dk/galleri/fotos-danske-solanlaeg-laver-17000-tons-australske-tomater-187362#0 |title=FOTOS: Danske solanlæg laver 17.000 tons australske tomater|work=] |accessdate=7 October 2016}}</ref> the facility's concentrated solar thermal plant peak heat production rate is 39 MW,<ref>ABC News, 2016. "Sundrop Farms pioneering solar-powered greenhouse to grow food without fresh water", http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-01/sundrop-farms-opens-solar-greenhouse-using-no-fresh-water/7892866, accessed 2017-01-12</ref> and desalinates water while producing 1.5 MWe of electricity.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Council%20Development%20Assessment%20Panel%20Agenda%20and%20Report%20_123%2012%20August%202014.pdf |title = COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT PANEL AGENDA Meeting #123|date = 2014-08-12|accessdate = 2015-10-14|website = Port Augusta City Council|publisher = Port Augusta City Council|last = |first = }}</ref> Sundrop Farms' 20 hectare expanded facility is powered by an Integrated Energy System based on the concentrated solar power (CSP) technology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/solar_thermal_electric/aalborg-csp-begins-construction-of-worlda-s-20151014|title=Solar Thermal Electric - Aalborg CSP begins construction of integrated energy system|date=14 October 2015 }}</ref> The system is designed and delivered by Danish renewable energy specialist, ], and it is the first large-scale CSP-based technology in the world to provide multiple energy streams – heating, fresh water and electricity – for horticultural activities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-tower-goes-up-in-australian-desert-ready-to-power-sundrop-farms-99173/ |title=Solar power tower goes up in Australian desert, ready to grow tomatoes |first=Sophie |last=Vorrath |date=24 March 2016 |newspaper=RenewEconomy}}</ref> The 51,500 m<sup>2</sup> solar field comprises ]’s Solar Collector System.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Sundrop Farms Port Augusta Expansion|url = http://www.esolar.com/projects/sundrop-farms-port-augusta-expansion/ |website = eSolar|access-date = 2015-10-14}}</ref> ] in October 2016,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602574/a-desert-full-of-tomatoes-thanks-to-solar-power-and-seawater/|title = A Desert Full of Tomatoes, Thanks to Solar Power and Seawater}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/120m-pound-state-of-the-art-tomato-farm-opens-in-australia.htm|title=£120m state-of-the-art-tomato farm opens in Australia|date=6 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.newscientist.com/article/2108296-first-farm-to-grow-veg-in-a-desert-using-only-sun-and-seawater/ |title=First farm to grow veg in a desert using only sun and seawater|work=New Scientist|access-date=8 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ing.dk/galleri/fotos-danske-solanlaeg-laver-17000-tons-australske-tomater-187362#0 |title=FOTOS: Danske solanlæg laver 17.000 tons australske tomater|work=] |access-date=7 October 2016}}</ref> the facility's concentrated solar thermal plant peak heat production rate is 39 MW,<ref>ABC News, 2016. "Sundrop Farms pioneering solar-powered greenhouse to grow food without fresh water", http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-01/sundrop-farms-opens-solar-greenhouse-using-no-fresh-water/7892866, accessed 2017-01-12</ref> and desalinates water while producing 1.5 MWe of electricity.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Council%20Development%20Assessment%20Panel%20Agenda%20and%20Report%20_123%2012%20August%202014.pdf |title = COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT PANEL AGENDA Meeting #123|date = 2014-08-12|access-date = 2015-10-14|website = Port Augusta City Council}}</ref>


=== Desalination plant === === Desalination plant ===
Sundrop Farms' original pilot facility desalinated seawater but did not return waste brine to Spencer Gulf. The brine was collected in ponds from which salt could be harvested.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title = Bright Idea|url = http://www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2012/s3477672.htm|date = 2012-04-15|accessdate = 2015-10-14}}</ref> The company's brine management plan changed with their proposed 20 hectare expansion in 2014. Sundrop Farms sought and received approval from the South Australian Environment Protection Authority to discharge waste brine into Spencer Gulf at a salinity of 60 parts per thousand. The expanded facility discharge its brine into the cooling water outflow channel at the existing coal-fired Port Augusta power stations.<ref name=":0" /> Environmental approval from the Commonwealth Government via referral under the ]<ref>{{Cite web|title = Referrals list · Basic Portal|url = http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/referralslist/|website = epbcnotices.environment.gov.au|accessdate = 2015-10-14}}</ref> was not required of or sought by Sundrop Farms for this project. Sundrop Farms continues to investigate commercially viable solutions for the recovery of minerals from brine at a large scale.<ref name="Sundrop System - Sundrop Farms"/> Sundrop Farms' original pilot facility desalinated seawater but did not return waste ] to Spencer Gulf. The brine was collected in ponds from which salt could be harvested.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title = Bright Idea|website = ] |url = http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/landline/old-site/content/2012/s3477672.htm |date = 2012-04-15|access-date = 2018-12-28}}</ref> The company's brine management plan changed with its 20 hectare expansion in 2014. Sundrop Farms sought and received approval from the South Australian Environment Protection Authority to discharge waste brine into Spencer Gulf at a salinity of 60 parts per thousand. The expanded facility discharges its brine into the cooling water outflow channel previously used by the coal-fired ].<ref name=":0" />
Environmental approval from the Commonwealth Government via referral under the ]<ref>{{Cite web|title = Referrals list · Basic Portal|url = http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/referralslist/ |website = epbcnotices.environment.gov.au|access-date = 2015-10-14}}</ref> was not required of or sought by Sundrop Farms for this project. Sundrop Farms continues to investigate commercially viable solutions for the recovery of minerals from brine at a large scale.<ref name="Sundrop System - Sundrop Farms" />


=== Government support === === Government support ===
In addition to receiving government financial support, the firm has been endorsed by South Australian Premier ] and several South Australian ministers, including ]<ref>{{Cite web|title = Sundrop Farms greenhouse expansion expected to create 300 jobs in Port Augusta|url = https://news.yahoo.com/sundrop-farms-greenhouse-expansion-expected-023512643.html|website = Yahoo News|accessdate = 2015-10-14}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Funding for skills to lead to Sundrop Farms jobs|url = http://www.my5cs.com/news/local-news/50671-funding-for-skills-to-lead-to-sundrop-farms-jobs|website = www.my5cs.com|accessdate = 2015-10-14}}</ref> Sundrop Farms' former chairman David Travers was employed in the South Australian public sector as the Deputy Agent General for South Australia in London when he received the firm's initial proposal.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title = The University of South Australia: Home|url = http://www.unisa.edu.au/Student-Life/Support-services/Student-administration/Graduations/Ceremonies/Guest-speakers-and-honorary-award-recipients/2014/Mr-David-Travers/|website = www.unisa.edu.au|accessdate = 2015-10-14|last = UniSA}}</ref> The Clean Energy Finance Corporation<ref>https://www.cefc.com.au/</ref> was an early supporter of the project, committing as a cornerstone debt financier. CEO Philipp Saumweber<ref>https://www.cefc.com.au/media/files/cefc-congratulates-sundrop-farms-on-securing-new-global-partner-for-expansion.aspx</ref> described the CEFC's commitment as invaluable in enabling the company to subsequently negotiate growth capital funding from global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR). In addition to receiving government financial support, the firm was endorsed by South Australian Premier ] and several South Australian ministers, including ]<ref>{{Cite web|title = Sundrop Farms greenhouse expansion expected to create 300 jobs in Port Augusta|url = https://news.yahoo.com/sundrop-farms-greenhouse-expansion-expected-023512643.html |website = Yahoo News|date = 4 December 2014 |access-date = 2015-10-14}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Funding for skills to lead to Sundrop Farms jobs|url = http://www.my5cs.com/news/local-news/50671-funding-for-skills-to-lead-to-sundrop-farms-jobs |website = www.my5cs.com|access-date = 2015-10-14}}</ref> Sundrop Farms' former chairman David Travers was employed in the South Australian public sector as the Deputy Agent General for South Australia in London when he received the firm's initial proposal.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title = The University of South Australia: Home|url = http://www.unisa.edu.au/Student-Life/Support-services/Student-administration/Graduations/Ceremonies/Guest-speakers-and-honorary-award-recipients/2014/Mr-David-Travers/ |website = www.unisa.edu.au|access-date = 2015-10-14|last = UniSA}}</ref> The Clean Energy Finance Corporation<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cefc.com.au/ |title=Home |website=cefc.com.au}}</ref> was an early supporter of the project, committing as a cornerstone debt financier. CEO Philipp Saumweber<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cefc.com.au/media/files/cefc-congratulates-sundrop-farms-on-securing-new-global-partner-for-expansion.aspx|title = CEFC congratulates Sundrop Farms on securing new global partner for expansion - Clean Energy Finance Corporation}}</ref> described the CEFC's commitment as invaluable in enabling the company to subsequently negotiate growth capital funding from global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR).

==See also==
{{Portal|Agriculture|Australia|Gardening}}
*]


== References == ==References==
{{reflist}}
<references />


== External links == ==External links==
* {{YouTube|6pAhSU-EvnI|Sundrop Farms June 2016}} * {{YouTube|6pAhSU-EvnI|Sundrop Farms June 2016}}
* {{YouTube|U2n9wKZOkGA| Sundrop Farms 2014}}


] ]

Latest revision as of 00:03, 9 May 2024

Solar thermal power plant with hydroponic greenhouse system

Sundrop Farms is a developer, owner and operator of high tech greenhouse facilities which grow crops using methods which reduce reliance on finite natural resources when compared to conventional greenhouse production. Sundrop Farms opened its first pilot facility in Port Augusta, South Australia, in 2010 (operating as Seawater Greenhouse Australia Pty Ltd). This facility was originally designed as a Seawater Greenhouse. However, significant technology changes led to the Sundrop System, and the dissolution of the joint venture with Seawater Greenhouse Ltd. Sundrop Farms commissioned an expanded 20 ha facility south of Port Augusta in 2016. Sundrop Farms has offices in London, UK and Adelaide, Australia. In October 2016, Sundrop Farms was operating greenhouses in Portugal, the United States and had another facility planned in Australia.

Sundrop system

The primary inputs to a greenhouse are heat, electricity, water, and nutrients. The Sundrop System is a collection of technologies which, when used in combination, reduce the need for finite resources in these inputs versus conventional greenhouse production. In Sundrop Farms’ first facilities in South Australia, these technologies include concentrated solar power, thermal desalination, and steam-driven electricity generation. This is the first combined heat, power, and water system powered by solar energy for greenhouse production.

Commercial expansion in Australia

Sundrop Farms
20 hectare expansion project, Port Augusta, South Australia
CountryAustralia
LocationPort Paterson, South Australia
Coordinates32°32′51.4″S 137°50′48.1″E / 32.547611°S 137.846694°E / -32.547611; 137.846694
StatusOperational
Construction began2016
OwnerSundrop Farms
OperatorSundrop Farms
Solar farm
TypeCSP
CSP technologySolar power tower
Total collector area51,500 square metres (554,000 sq ft)
Power generation
Nameplate capacity1.5MWe
External links
Websitewww.sundropfarms.com
CommonsRelated media on Commons
[edit on Wikidata]

In 2015, Sundrop Farms constructed a 20 hectare solar-powered greenhouse facility near its original site, south of Port Augusta in South Australia. This facility, completed in 2016, produces over 15,000 tonnes of truss tomatoes (on the vine) each year to supply the Australian supermarket operator Coles under a ten-year contract. Sundrop Farms operations are primarily powered by a concentrated solar thermal power plant and seawater withdrawn from Spencer Gulf and desalinated to feed produce. The project was expected to generate around 100 jobs during the construction of the greenhouse facility (in 2015) and approximately 200 jobs once operational. In 2014, private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts invested $100 million in the company. The development was supported by the Government of South Australia which provided approximately $6 million in grant funding. A $150 million development contract was awarded to John Holland in 2014 to construct the expanded facility over an 18-24 month time-frame and the total project cost is an estimated $205 million.

The $175 million, highly productive "farm" opened in June 2016 and produces 10-15 per cent of Australia's truss tomatoes to Coles. In May 2019, it was sold to Morrison and Co. It employs 300 people.

Concentrated solar power

Sundrop Farms' 20 hectare expanded facility is powered by an Integrated Energy System based on the concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. The system is designed and delivered by Danish renewable energy specialist, Aalborg CSP, and it is the first large-scale CSP-based technology in the world to provide multiple energy streams – heating, fresh water and electricity – for horticultural activities. The 51,500 m solar field comprises eSolar’s Solar Collector System. Commissioned in October 2016, the facility's concentrated solar thermal plant peak heat production rate is 39 MW, and desalinates water while producing 1.5 MWe of electricity.

Desalination plant

Sundrop Farms' original pilot facility desalinated seawater but did not return waste brine to Spencer Gulf. The brine was collected in ponds from which salt could be harvested. The company's brine management plan changed with its 20 hectare expansion in 2014. Sundrop Farms sought and received approval from the South Australian Environment Protection Authority to discharge waste brine into Spencer Gulf at a salinity of 60 parts per thousand. The expanded facility discharges its brine into the cooling water outflow channel previously used by the coal-fired Port Augusta power stations.

Environmental approval from the Commonwealth Government via referral under the EPBC Act was not required of or sought by Sundrop Farms for this project. Sundrop Farms continues to investigate commercially viable solutions for the recovery of minerals from brine at a large scale.

Government support

In addition to receiving government financial support, the firm was endorsed by South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill and several South Australian ministers, including Geoff Brock and Gail Gago. Sundrop Farms' former chairman David Travers was employed in the South Australian public sector as the Deputy Agent General for South Australia in London when he received the firm's initial proposal. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation was an early supporter of the project, committing as a cornerstone debt financier. CEO Philipp Saumweber described the CEFC's commitment as invaluable in enabling the company to subsequently negotiate growth capital funding from global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR).

See also

References

  1. "The Q&A: John Phinney of Sundrop Farms". www.nortonrosefulbright.com. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
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