Independent power producers Globeleq and African Rainbow Energy have achieved commercial close on the 153MW/612MWh Red Sands battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Africa, marking the continent’s largest standalone battery project to date.
The facility, located in the Northern Cape, is expected to ease transmission constraints, improve grid stability, and support efforts to decarbonise South Africa’s power sector, the companies said in a joint statement.
The system will be charged using surplus solar power during off-peak hours and will discharge during peak demand periods to reduce pressure on the national grid. The project spans approximately five hectares and includes significant grid infrastructure upgrades, carried out in partnership with Eskom and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).
Red Sands was selected as a preferred bidder earlier this year under the government’s battery energy storage independent power producer (IPP) programme.
“Commercial close on the Red Sands BESS is a landmark moment… we’re integrating battery storage across our portfolio to support resilient, low-carbon power systems across Africa,” said Jonathan Hoffman, chief executive of Globeleq.
NTCSA interim chief executive Segomoco Scheppers said the battery project would “unlock additional capacity in the constrained Northern Cape supply area.
The initiative has drawn international financial and diplomatic support, including from British International Investment and Norfund, as well as backing from UK and Norwegian government representatives.
British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson described the project as “a bold step toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future,” while Norwegian Ambassador Gjermund Sæther said it marked “a milestone” in efforts to address climate and energy security.
Brian Dames, CEO of African Rainbow Energy, said: “This investment supports our objective to provide affordable electricity… whilst uplifting communities.
Globeleq’s broader portfolio includes 13 solar, wind, and hybrid storage projects across South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and Egypt, along with a geothermal plant under construction in Kenya.
