JOHANNESBURG, Jan 7 (Reuters) – AMEA Power has been awarded two significant battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in South Africa, marking the company's first successful bids in the sector. The projects, located in the North West Province, were granted under Bid Window 2 of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP), organized by South Africa's Department of Electricity and Energy.
The Gainfar and Boitekong projects, each with a capacity of over 300 MWh, are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the country's ongoing energy challenges, including frequent blackouts and load shedding. Both systems will provide essential backup power to stabilize the grid and improve energy security.
The Gainfar project will be connected to the Ngwedi substation, while the Boitekong project will be linked to the Marang substation. These projects are also part of AMEA Power's broader strategy to expand its renewable energy footprint in the region.
Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, commented, “This achievement marks a major milestone for AMEA Power, as we continue to expand our footprint in South Africa, a key market for us. These projects represent our first successful awards of BESS projects, through a competitive bidding process and underscore our commitment to providing sustainable, resilient and cost-effective energy solutions.”
Al Nowais further emphasized the company's dedication to supporting South Africa's energy transition and enhancing Eskom's grid reliability. “We are proud to support South Africa's energy transition, enhance Eskom's grid reliability, and drive economic growth in the region. With our expanding portfolio, including the 120MW Doornhoek Solar PV project, and our regional office in Johannesburg, we are dedicated to contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for South Africa.”
Both projects will be operational under 15-year power purchase agreements with Eskom, ensuring long-term stability in energy delivery. The BESS projects are expected to provide robust, reliable backup power and contribute significantly to the country's renewable energy transition.
This announcement follows AMEA Power's previous success in December 2022, when it secured the 120MW Doornhoek solar project through Bid Window 6 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
