A 153 MW/612 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) planned for South Africa has taken a step forward with the signing of a supply and long-term service term sheet.
The project, expected to be the continent’s largest standalone battery installation, is being developed by independent power producer (IPP) Globeleq with Sungrow as technology supplier and operations and maintenance provider under a 15-year agreement.
Located in the Northern Cape near Eskom’s Garona substation, the Red Sands BESS was announced as the fifth and final preferred bidder under the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Battery Energy Storage IPP Procurement Programme in April 2024. It is expected to reach financial close in 2025 and begin operations in 2027.
Strategically located in a high-renewable generation zone, Red Sands will support Eskom’s grid through load shifting and stabilisation, helping to integrate renewable energy sources and address ongoing energy supply challenges.
Under the agreement, Sungrow will supply its PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system. The company will also provide long-term operations and maintenance services. The system will occupy approximately five hectares and will support the grid through load shifting and stabilisation, enabling the integration of variable renewable energy.
“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,” said Paolo de Michelis, Globeleq’s Head of Renewables.
