Freetown portable energy storage battery investment

How does the international community contribute to battery storage in South Africa?

The international community is also contributing to the development of battery storage systems in South Africa. For example, the World Bank and the African Development Bank recently approved funding for the battery storage element – worth around USD 500 million – of a hybrid project within the Eskom Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Does South Africa have a battery storage tender programme?

South Africa is aiming to procure utility-scale battery storage with two tender programmes: its Battery Storage IPP Procurement Programme as well as hybrid battery storage and variable renewables projects through its Risk Mitigation IPP Procurement Programme.

Why is battery storage important in South Africa?

In South Africa, battery storage is increasingly seen as a key pillar to help provide grid stability and integrate variable renewables given its ageing coal-fired power fleet and grid.

Why is Mulilo launching a battery energy storage system?

Mulilo and its partners have plans to expand their portfolio of battery energy storage systems, building on the momentum of the Oasis projects. These developments signify a vital step in aligning private-sector innovation with national energy goals, setting a precedent for future advancements in renewable energy infrastructure.

What is a battery energy storage IPP tender?

In November 2023, South Africa announced preferred bidders for the first Battery Energy Storage IPP Procurement Programme tender, which – if all implemented in full – would add 360 MW of dispatchable battery storage capacity to the national grid, and are now expected to enter into power purchase agreements (PPAs) negotiations with Eskom.

Why is the South African government using IPP to allocate battery storage?

In 2022, this led to unprecedented load shedding of more than 8 terawatt-hours (TWh), which was a fourfold increase in unmet demand compared with the previous year. As a result, the South African government is using its Independent Power Producer (IPP) Procurement Programmes to allocate firm capacity, including battery storage.