A groundbreaking greenhouse that relies on sunlight and seawater to grow tomatoes officially opens next week, 300 kilometres north of Adelaide.
"It's not just a first for Port Augusta, this is a first in the world.".
At its peak it produces 39 megawatts of thermal energy, which is used for electricity, heating and making water.
All the water used for irrigating the crops is piped from the Spencer Gulf and converted into fresh water using a thermal desalination unit.
Mr Simkins has spent more than two decades running tomato greenhouses in Europe and North America and says the desalinated water is first-class.
"It is unusual in the sense that it's the longest agreement we have in horticulture," Coles head of fresh produce Brad Gorman said.
The Port Augusta facility will produce at least 15,000 tonnes of truss tomatoes a year. »
