John Thompson, a division of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd and a leading provider of industrial energy solutions, has partnered with Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions (BECS), a specialist in biomass energy development. This strategic alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of reliable, renewable steam solutions for industrial businesses across Africa.
This collaboration combines John Thompson’s extensive engineering and manufacturing expertise with BECS’s innovative approach to sourcing, securing, and supplying sustainable biomass fuel. The goal is to provide a complete, low-carbon steam solution that helps industrial clients decarbonize their operations, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and meet the growing demand for cost-effective, renewable energy.
Overcoming Barriers to Decarbonization
The partnership addresses the two main challenges businesses face when transitioning to low-carbon operations: the high upfront cost and technical complexity of upgrading energy systems.
“Our clients don’t need to become energy experts or infrastructure owners,” said Jaco Grobbelaar, Industrial CEO at John Thompson. “We take on the risk, the capital expenditure, and the performance accountability. This approach makes decarbonization accessible and straightforward.”
Under this model, the system is designed, funded, built, and operated on the client’s behalf through a long-term heat offtake agreement. The client simply pays for the steam they consume, ensuring a predictable cost structure without the burden of owning and maintaining the infrastructure.
A Unique Approach to Sustainable Biomass Supply
What distinguishes this partnership is BECS’s strategic approach to biomass sourcing. Instead of just supplying fuel, BECS works directly with large-scale agricultural and forestry producers to secure long-term, sustainable, and traceable feedstock contracts.
“In a market where supply risks and quality inconsistencies can stall biomass adoption, we provide stability,” explains Jonathan Probert, Business Development Manager for Southern Africa at BECS. “We align our supply chains to specific project locations and customer volumes, ensuring a secure and competitively priced fuel supply.”
BECS’s singular focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions sets it apart from competitors who typically rely on fossil fuels. This specialization, combined with John Thompson’s proven boiler systems, provides clients with a seamless transition to renewable energy without sacrificing performance or uptime.
“This partnership enables us to deliver bankable, long-term energy solutions that meet the real-world needs of industrial clients,” said Nicholas Tatrallyay, Managing Director at BECS. “Together, we are tackling the cost, complexity, and carbon intensity of steam generation, helping businesses achieve sustainability and growth.”
Expanding Across Africa
Initial projects are already underway in South Africa, with plans to expand into Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, and Ghana. The solution is particularly appealing to companies seeking to reduce carbon emissions, lower operational risk, and secure predictable long-term energy pricing.
The partnership is currently advancing a range of biomass boiler projects in South Africa and is poised to leverage John Thompson’s existing footprint for expansion across the continent. Each solution is scalable, bankable, and tailored to the unique operational needs of industrial users.
“This is not just about replacing a fuel source. It is about delivering an end-to-end renewable energy solution that works,” concludes Grobbelaar. “With BECS, we are giving African industry the tools to achieve sustainability, profitability, and resilience.”