Globeleq and African Rainbow Energy have advanced the development of the 153 MW/ 612 MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa. The battery energy storage system (BESS) project is considered Africa’s largest standalone BESS project. It joins a list of global large scale gobal BESS projects. The parties have reached commercial close by signing project agreements with relevant authorities. These include the Department of Electricity and Energy and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). The 5-hectare Red Sands BESS will be located in Northern Cape and is expected to be Africa’s largest. Furthermore, it is Africa’s largest standalone BESS plant to reach financial close. It represents a major advancement for South Africa’s power infrastructure. Furthermore, it promises to alleviate transmission and distribution bottlenecks while bolstering grid stability across the region. The pivotal project was designated as a preferred bidder under South Africa’s government-led battery energy storage independent power producer programme back in 2024.
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Significance of the Red Sands BESS Project in South Africa
Globeleq CEO Jonathan Hoffman stated: “Commercial close on the Red Sands BESS is a landmark moment for Globeleq and for battery storage in Africa.” He also noted that the closure highlights their ability to deliver large-scale, clean energy infrastructure. The company has noted its commitment in building over a decade of renewable energy leadership in South Africa. Furthermore, their Cuamba solar-plus-storage plant in Mozambique highlights their zeal and ambition. Globeleq’s aim is to integrate battery storage across their portfolio to support resilient, low-carbon power systems across Africa.
The Red Sands BESS project aims to store excess electricity during low-demand periods and releasing it when demand peaks. Through this, it will facilitate smoother management of power flows within NTCSA’s network. The installation will also offer critical ancillary services essential for maintaining grid integrity. African Rainbow Energy is a renewable energy platform owned by African Rainbow Energy and Power and Absa Bank. African Rainbow Energy CEO Brian Dames stated that the investment in Red Sands, in partnership with Globeleq is elemental. It supports their objective to utilize modern and renewable energy technologies to provide affordable electricity in South Africa and on the African continent.
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Red Sands, Africa’s largest standalone battery energy storage system coming to South Africa
