#Sungrow #South Africa #Globeleq #Red Sands BESS #Upington

Sungrow and Globeleq Join Forces for Africa's Largest Battery Energy Storage System

In a landmark move for renewable energy in Africa, Sungrow and Globeleq have officially signed a term sheet that signifies a pivotal step forward in the implementation of the Red Sands Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Located in South Africa, this ambitious project aims to be the largest standalone battery energy storage facility on the continent, with a capacity of 153 MW / 612 MWh. This initiative is a milestone for the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) and is situated about 100 km southeast of Upington, in the Northern Cape.

Project Overview and Goals

The Red Sands BESS project is designed to occupy approximately 5 hectares (around 12 acres) and will connect to the national grid via the Eskom Garona substation. Its construction comes amid South Africa’s ongoing energy supply challenges, and the project is poised to provide essential services such as load shifting and grid stabilization. By integrating renewable energy sources, Red Sands aims to play a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of the power system in South Africa.

The strategic significance of this project cannot be overstated. With intermittent energy supply from traditional sources, this battery storage system will help address fluctuations and ensure a more stable supply of electricity. Hence, it supports both the transition towards renewable energy and the reliability of the power grid.

Sungrow's Role and Commitment

Under the newly signed agreement, Sungrow will supply its cutting-edge PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage systems and will also uphold comprehensive Operations & Maintenance (OM) responsibilities for a period of 15 years. This long-term commitment underscores the company’s dedication to ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and optimal performance of the Red Sands BESS project. The operational projections suggest that the project will achieve financial closing by 2025 and is expected to commence operations in 2027.

Paolo de Michelis, the Head of Renewables at Globeleq, articulated the company’s enthusiasm about this collaboration. He stated, “We are excited to sign the Supply and 15-year Long Term Service Agreement term sheets with Sungrow for our 153 MW / 612 MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa, the largest stand-alone battery energy storage project in Sub-Saharan Africa to date. Developing BESS projects involves navigating complex challenges and requires a strategic long-term commitment from all project partners to ensure the project's success. Sungrow's track record in South Africa, high-quality technology, and competitiveness will be instrumental in overcoming these challenges and delivering a reliable project and stable grid.”

Exploring the Impact of Red Sands BESS

As South Africa strives to mitigate its energy crisis, investments in large-scale battery energy storage systems like Red Sands become increasingly important. This innovative storage solution not only enhances grid stability but also facilitates the transition to a greener energy landscape. The Red Sands BESS project stands to deliver numerous advantages, as its capabilities will allow for greater absorption of renewable energy and its effective redistribution during peak demand times.

Furthermore, this collaboration between Sungrow and Globeleq sets a precedent for future energy storage solutions across the African continent. With a growing emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable solutions, projects like Red Sands are essential to demonstrate the potential for large-scale energy storage to alleviate energy shortages in developing regions.

About the Collaborating Companies

Globeleq, owned predominantly by British International Investment and Norfund, is recognized as a leader in the development, ownership, and operation of electricity generation facilities in Africa. The company boasts a diverse portfolio producing 1,794 MW across 17 locations in seven countries, with additional projects in construction and development, pushing beyond 2,000 MW.

Sungrow, on the other hand, is at the forefront of renewable energy technology, having pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. With a remarkable track record of installing 740 GW of power electronic converters globally, and holding the title for the highest PV inverter shipment rate according to SP Global Commodity Insights, Sungrow continues to expand its influence in the clean energy sector worldwide. With plans to enhance infrastructure and services in over 180 countries, Sungrow reiterates its commitment to powering a sustainable future with advanced technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the signing of the term sheet for the Red Sands BESS stands as a significant marker in the realm of energy storage within Africa. It showcases the commitment of leading companies like Sungrow and Globeleq to tackle energy challenges head-on, employing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between current energy demands and future sustainability goals. As this project progresses, it is expected to shape the future of energy solutions in Africa, lighting the path toward a greener, more reliable energy landscape.