Envision Energy Secures Landmark Battery Storage Order in South Africa

Envision Energy Announces Major Battery Storage Project in South Africa

Envision Energy, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, has secured a monumental contract to provide battery energy storage systems for South Africa. This contract, formed in collaboration with EDF Group, involves the delivery of three battery energy storage systems (BESS) for the Oasis 1 project group. By totaling an impressive capacity of 257 MW and 1028 MWh of storage, this deal represents the largest order for battery storage systems in South Africa to date.

Project Overview

The projects fall under the country’s primary program for independent power producers focusing on battery energy storage, known as the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (BESIPPPP). Envision will supply the systems for three dedicated power facilities: Oasis Aggeneis, Oasis Mookodi, and Oasis Nieuwehoop, all located in the Northern Cape province. Of note, each facility includes a 5% investment for local communities through community funds, ensuring the prosperity of nearby areas.

Financial closure for this remarkable venture was achieved on November 20, 2024, with operations expected to commence by late 2026. Envision Energy will equip the facilities with a comprehensive range of energy storage equipment, such as SCADA systems and Energy Management Systems (EMS), which are crucial for efficient energy management.

The standard storage units provided by Envision are 20 feet long with a capacity of 5 MWh, utilizing high-performance, safety-secured battery cells with a 315Ah capacity. Furthermore, Envision will offer extensive operation and maintenance services over a period of 15 years, ensuring the longevity and functionality of the energy storage systems.

Comments from Leadership

Kane Xu, Envision Energy’s Executive Vice President and President of International Product Lines, emphasized the significance of battery storage technology: "It is a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems, and we are thrilled to contribute our cutting-edge technology to this large-scale project in South Africa. This initiative will enhance the management of the frequent load on the South African power grid, improve grid stability, and reduce reliance on coal-fired electricity, facilitating South Africa's transition towards a more sustainable energy system."

These installations represent a significant upgrade in South Africa's energy infrastructure. They are specifically designed to alleviate grid congestion, enhance the integration of renewable energy sources, and engage in the electricity market by providing energy arbitrage and ancillary services. As such, this project will help drive South Africa's ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Industry Collaboration

Gregoire de Montgolfier, EDF Renewables’ Project Director, expressed anticipation of collaborating with Envision Energy and Huadong, stating that their expertise in energy storage products and ability to deliver a reliable and efficient system were pivotal factors in the project's selection.

As the world's largest nuclear operator and a key player in global energy, EDF Group continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio with a goal of reaching 60 GW of net renewable capacity by 2030.

Envision's Growing Impact in the Energy Sector

Recognized as a top supplier of advanced energy storage products, Envision is lauded for its high-quality batteries, smart designs, and the rapid deployment capabilities of its systems. By maintaining comprehensive technical capacities and a commitment to in-house research and manufacturing, Envision ensures end-to-end control from production to deployment. By the end of 2023, the company had successfully executed over 200 BESS projects, delivering more than 15 GWh and had an additional 25 GWh in active orders.

In 2024, Envision Energy earned recognition from Bloomberg NEF as a level one global energy storage manufacturer for the third consecutive quarter, solidifying its position as a leader in the global energy storage market.