Steelpoort Pilot — Operations Command Center
Real-time data from TFA's demonstration facility (Phase 1: 13 ha → 1 MWe)
OFI Cactus Coverage
1.2 ha of 13 ha target
- • 2,419 plants established
- • 2,500 plants/ha (pilot density)
- • Target: 30,000 plants/ha at commercial scale
- • 40-50 t/ha/yr biomass yield expected
Anaerobic Digestion (CSTR)
FEED in progress
- • FEED: 45% complete (process flow diagrams underway)
- • 1 MWe biomethane capacity
- • 97% CH₄ purity via upgrading
- • Continuous feed, 21-day HRT
Jenbacher CHP Engine
Commissioning planned
- • 1 MWe nameplate capacity
- • Combined heat & power (85% total efficiency)
- • Grid-connected via Eskom MV network
- • 24/7 baseload operation (8,760 hrs/yr)
Steelpoort Site Map
Satellite view with planting coverage
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Site Coverage Status
Live Metrics
Updates every 30 seconds
Target: 150 plants/day for Q2 2026 13-ha completion
Current: Pilot config. Commercial: 30,000 plants/ha (UHD)
Seasonal variation normal. Target harvest: 60-80 cm
Pilot: 1.2 ha of 13 ha. Target: 100% by Q2 2026
Operational Density Targets
Optimized plant spacing by revenue stream
Validating cultivation & harvest logistics
Maximizes biomethane feedstock yield
Premium fruit & nopalitos for retail
Recent Activity
Latest updates from the field
Planting Section B3 Complete
2h ago245 plants established, bringing total pilot coverage to 1.2 ha. On track for 13 ha completion by Q2 2026.
10,000+ Plants Milestone
1d agoPilot demonstrates cultivation viability across 1.2+ hectares within the 13 ha site. Next: Scale to 30,000 plants/ha (UHD) for commercial biomethane production.
Water Efficiency Validation
3d agoDrip system maintaining 80% reduction vs. traditional bioenergy crops. 0.4 m³/ha/day — CAM photosynthesis requires minimal irrigation.