Independent power producer Globeleq has signed an agreement with China’s Sungrow for a battery energy storage system (BESS) for its 153MW Red Sands project in South Africa
The Red Sands BESS project is part of South Africa's inaugural Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme and is located in the Northern Cape, about 100km southeast of Upington.
It will be the largest standalone battery energy storage system in Africa.
Under the signed term sheet, Sungrow will supply its state-of-the-art PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system.
It will also provide comprehensive operations and maintenance services under a 15-year contract, ensuring long-term reliability, efficiency and optimal project performance.
“We are excited to sign the supply and 15-year long-term service agreement term sheets with Sungrow for our 153MW/612MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa, the largest standalone battery energy storage project in sub-Saharan Africa to date,” said Paolo de Michelis, Globeleq's head of renewables.
“Developing BESS projects involves navigating complex challenges and requires a strategic long-term commitment from all project partners to ensure the project’s success,” Michelis added.
“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."
Sungrow is a global leading PV inverter and energy storage provider and has installed 740GW of power electronic converters worldwide.
Working closely with leading global battery and balance-of-plant suppliers, Globeleq estimates the project will cost approximately US$300mn and will take 24 months to construct after financial close this year, with operations set to begin in 2027.
Red Sands BESS will use approximately 5 hectares (12 acres) and will connect to the grid through the Eskom Garona substation.
The project is strategically positioned to support South Africa's power system by delivering critical services such as load shifting and grid stabilisation, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and addressing ongoing energy supply challenges.
It also builds on the Africa portfolio of Globeleq, owned 70% by British International Investment and 30% by Norfund, which is a leading developer, owner and operator of power generation assets in Africa.
Since 2002, it has built a portfolio of independent power plants, generating 1,794MW in 17 locations across seven countries, with a further 485MW in construction and more than 2,000MW of power projects in development.
Red Sands will be Globeleq’s first largescale BESS project in South Africa where the group also owns and operates eight renewable plants (six solar PV, two wind) with a total generating capacity of 384MW.
It also owns a combined solar and BESS plant at Cuamba in Mozambique and is developing other BESS projects across the African continent.
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Globeleq signs up Sungrow for Red Sands project
Globeleq signs agreement with Sungrow for Red Sands project. (Image credit: Sungrow)
