The landmark project represents a significant step forward in combining sustainability with industrial efficiency

Clarke Energy, in collaboration with Moshesh Partners and INNIO Group, has completed the successful installation of a resilient, grid-connected microgrid at Danone South Africa’s dairy production facility

The landmark project represents a significant step forward in combining sustainability with industrial efficiency.

Delivered as a turnkey EPC project, Clarke Energy integrated a new INNIO Jenbacher gas-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant with the facility’s existing solar photovoltaic (PV) array and diesel backup generators. This hybrid energy system forms the backbone of a flexible and robust solution that is managed by an advanced microgrid controller.

According to Clarke Energy, the controller "dynamically balances energy sources based on cost, availability, and sustainability – ensuring continuous optimisation around the clock."

The microgrid mitigates the effects of South Africa’s ongoing energy supply challenges. By enhancing energy resilience, the installation safeguards dairy production against voltage dips and power outages that frequently affect municipal supply. Clarke Energy noted that “the microgrid significantly enhances energy resilience, protecting operations from frequent voltage dips and outages in the municipal supply, and enabling uninterrupted 24/7 dairy production.”

The project also aligns closely with Danone’s long-term environmental goals. “This solution delivers a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, aligning with Danone’s Impact Journey, which was re-focused in 2023 to reinforce its commitment to sustainability,” Clarke Energy explained.

Looking ahead, the system has been “designed with hydrogen-readiness in mind,” positioning the facility to meet Danone’s 2050 net-zero emissions target. As South Africa’s foremost producer of fermented dairy products, Danone now enjoys a future-proof, efficient, and secure energy supply.

“Congratulations to our team in South Africa and our partners for delivering this cutting-edge solution.”

Danone South Africa's industrial power plant (Image source: Clarke Energy)

African Review has obtained images from the new industrial power plant recently supplied to Danone South Africa by Clarke Energy

Commissioned at the end of last year, the facility is now working to power the food giant’s dairy production site in Anderbolt, Boksburg, providing a resilient, grid-connected microgrid solution that embraces a mix of energy systems and technologies.

The project was delivered in partnership with Austrian power generation firm, INNIO Group, and Moshesh Partners, a Johannesburg-based investment fund manager focused on clean energy and infrastructure work.

Clarke Energy delivered the system as a turnkey EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) project, integrating a new INNIO Jenbacher gas-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant with the site’s existing solar PV installation and diesel backup generators to create what it called a “flexible and robust” energy solution.

The facility utilises two Jenbacher J616 containerised engines and the Jenbacher microgrid controller, providing a total capacity of 5 MWe.

Clarke Energy is an authorised distributor for INNIO’s Jenbacher engines.

Managed by an advanced microgrid controller, the system dynamically balances energy sources based on cost, availability and sustainability – ensuring continuous optimisation around the clock, according to a Clarke Energy statement.

“The microgrid significantly enhances energy resilience, protecting operations from frequent voltage dips and outages in the municipal supply, and enabling uninterrupted 24/7 dairy production,” it noted.

As South Africa’s leading producer of fermented dairy products, Danone also benefits from a more efficient and secure energy supply at a time when power outages have undermined industrial output and economic activity at a national level.

When the project was first announced in late 2023, a Danone executive said the Jenbacher microgrid solution would empower the company to become independent from the electricity grid supply.

It would also allow it to integrate a broad selection of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as renewables and storage devices, while ensuring business continuity, INNIO’s president and CEO Dr. Olaf Berlien noted.

The Jenbacher engines are operating on natural gas but can be converted to hydrogen as soon as sufficient hydrogen is available, Berlien added.

Due to insufficient power-generation capacity, there is “significant interest” in decentralised CHP engine plants, according to an INNIO statement.

The instability of South Africa’s grid, the ambition to reduce carbon emissions and the proposed return on investment motivated Danone to drive energy efficiency with CHP technology while producing distributed power and heat for their industrial process, it added.

Designed with hydrogen-readiness in mind, the power plant solution delivers a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, aligning with Danone’s own Impact Journey, and represents a major step towards its 2050 net-zero target.

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Rolls-Royce powers Duisburg Terminal with world’s first 100% hydrogen CHP energy system. (Image source: mtu solutions)

In a major milestone for sustainable infrastructure, Rolls-Royce and Duisburger Hafen AG have inaugurated a fully CO₂-neutral and self-sufficient energy system at the new Duisburg Gateway Terminal

Officially launched at the beginning of July 2025, this pioneering installation sets a new benchmark for integrated green energy solutions in logistics.

At the core of the system are two mtu combined heat and power (CHP) plants, developed for 100% hydrogen operation and deployed here for the first time globally. Supporting technologies include an mtu battery storage system, mtu hydrogen fuel cells, and a 1.3 MWp photovoltaic (PV) array — all integrated by a sophisticated energy management system.

The installation forms part of the Enerport II lighthouse project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. It is seen as a blueprint for future sustainable energy systems at ports, industrial complexes, and infrastructure facilities. Project collaborators include the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, Westenergie Netzservice GmbH, Netze Duisburg GmbH, Stadtwerke Duisburg AG, and Stadtwerke Duisburg Energiehandel GmbH.

Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, commented, “The opening of this CO2-neutral energy system at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal is a milestone on the way to a more climate-friendly, resilient energy supply. Together with our partner duisport, we will show how scalable technologies from Rolls-Royce can contribute concretely to the transformation of critical infrastructures and thus also to the implementation of the energy transition.”

Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG, emphasised, “Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate strategy and thus obligation to act responsibly and forward-looking. With this self-sufficient and CO2-neutral energy system, we also have a clear competitive advantage.”

Hydrogen-powered port

The intelligent microgrid provides energy for the 33-football-field-sized terminal, supplying crane systems, charging stations, and shore power. When solar output from the PV system exceeds demand, the surplus is stored in the mtu EnergyPack. In periods of low sunlight, mtu hydrogen CHP units and fuel cell systems ensure a stable, emission-free supply.

Alexander Garbar, head of corporate development at Duisport, noted,“Our microgrid runs reliably and shows that it is possible to supply such a large port terminal completely independently with green energy.”

Rolls-Royce’s involvement in the Enerport II project also marks the debut of its newly enhanced 12-cylinder mtu Series 4000 gas engines, now running on 100% hydrogen. Each engine delivers 1MW of output and demonstrates impressive performance, efficiency, and emissions results — continuing the legacy of mtu power systems.

Looking ahead, Rolls-Royce is collaborating with research centres and industry partners to develop next-generation hydrogen combustion engines capable of reaching power levels of up to 2.5MW, matching today’s larger natural gas CHP plants.

“As part of the expansion of renewable energies, the German government has decided to build further gas-fired power plants with the power plant strategy. Modular gas-fired power plants and smaller, decentralized gas engine systems can compensate for the feed of wind and solar power into the grid, which fluctuates depending on the weather, and efficiently contribute to ensuring security of supply. Rolls-Royce mtu gas engines already provide reliable power and heat supply in many places in Europe. In the UK, even a fleet of more than 500 mtu gas units supports the UK energy transition. Once sufficient availability of green hydrogen is ensured, mtu gas units such as in Duisburg can also contribute significantly to CO2 reduction with 100% hydrogen or even with a hydrogen admixture,” remarked Michael Stipa, senior vice-president of business development and product management for stationary energy solutions at Rolls-Royce.

The project showcases how advanced hydrogen-ready technologies, combined with intelligent systems and public-private collaboration, can power industrial progress while supporting global climate goals.

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REA and NCC form joint committee to boost rural power and digital access

In a significant move toward bridging Nigeria’s rural energy and digital divide, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have officially inaugurated a joint strategy and steering committee

This initiative follows extensive consultations and strategic alignment between both agencies and marks a new chapter in collaborative infrastructure development.

The core objective of the partnership is to address the intertwined challenges of limited electricity access and poor digital connectivity in Nigeria’s underserved and unserved communities. These twin gaps have long stifled socioeconomic progress, limiting access to education, healthcare, financial inclusion and broader opportunities for rural populations.

By leveraging REA’s proven track record in delivering sustainable energy solutions and NCC’s mandate to expand telecommunications reach, the initiative seeks to deploy integrated infrastructure that can simultaneously provide power and digital access. This approach aims to accelerate the delivery of modern services in rural areas, creating a strong foundation for inclusive development.

“Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people,” commented executive vice-president and CEO of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida. “This initiative is about more than infrastructure, it is about driving inclusion, bridging inequalities, and creating the conditions for shared prosperity.”

This joint initiative not only promotes synergy between two critical government agencies but also sets a new benchmark for integrated infrastructure planning in Nigeria. It is a forward-thinking effort that recognises the need for holistic solutions in transforming rural communities and advancing national prosperity.

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