Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has signed off on two new grid-scale battery energy storage projects to save electricity.

He said such technologies were important in South Africa’s energy mix, as the Battery Storage Energy System (Bess) would play a transformative role in securing the reliability of the power supply, while facilitating the broader adoption of renewable energy sources.

“It is important to protect the integrity of the grid and that restoration will play a big part in this,” the minister said.

Bess technology played a critical role for grid operation by storing energy during periods of less demand for electricity and releasing that energy when needed, According to his spokesperson Tsakane Khambane.

He said that through commercial closure of projects under the first Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme Bid Window 1, a combined 180 MW/720 MWh of storage capacity would be contributed to the national grid.

The companies involved are EDF International, Mulilo, Gibb-Crede, Pele Green Energy and a community trust.

Located in the Northern Cape, the Oasis Aggeneis project near Aggenys will provide 77 MW/308 MWh, while the Oasis Nieuwehoop project near Kenhardt will supply 103 MW/412 MWh.

Kambabane said these projects represented an investment of R4.7 billion, with construction expected to take up to 24 months.

The ministry said the projects promised significant socioeconomic benefits, with 487 job opportunities expected to be created – 301 during construction and 186 during operational phases.

He said both projects have committed to spending 20% of their budgets on local content during both construction and operational phases.

In addition to job creation, R43 million has been allocated over the projects’ 15-year lifespan to initiatives in skills development, bursaries for black students, enterprise development and socioeconomic development, aiming to uplift local communities and foster broader participation in South Africa’s renewable energy sector.

Bid Window 2, totalling 615 MW, is in its evaluation phase, with results expected in the coming weeks; while Bid Window 3, closes for submissions on 28 November.

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