The Red Sands battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Africa has reached a significant milestone with the signing of project agreements between developers Globeleq and African Rainbow Energy, the Department of Electricity and Energy, and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). This 153 MW/612 MWh project, located in the Northern Cape, is set to become the largest standalone BESS plant in Africa, marking a substantial step forward for the continent’s power infrastructure.
The Red Sands BESS aims to address critical challenges in South Africa’s power sector, including transmission and distribution bottlenecks, while enhancing grid stability. By storing excess electricity during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak times, the project will facilitate smoother power flow management within NTCSA’s network. Additionally, it will provide essential ancillary services to maintain grid integrity.
Globeleq CEO Jonathan Hoffman emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Commercial close on the Red Sands BESS is a landmark moment for Globeleq and for battery storage in Africa. It highlights our ability to deliver large-scale, clean energy infrastructure that meets the continent’s evolving power needs.” Hoffman also noted the project’s alignment with Globeleq’s broader strategy of integrating battery storage across its portfolio to support resilient, low-carbon power systems in Africa.
The Red Sands project was designated as a preferred bidder under South Africa’s government-led battery energy storage independent power producer programme in 2024. African Rainbow Energy CEO Brian Dames underscored the project’s importance, saying, “The investment in Red Sands, in partnership with Globeleq, supports our objective to utilise modern and renewable energy technologies to provide affordable electricity in South Africa and on the African continent, whilst uplifting communities.” Dames also highlighted the project’s role in fulfilling a R3 billion commitment as part of the South African investment drive.
Globeleq, owned by British International Investment and Norway’s development finance institution Norfund, has a strong track record in Africa’s energy sector. The company has developed, owned, and operated electricity generation projects totaling 1,794 MW across 17 locations in seven countries since 2002. With an additional 485 MW in construction and over 2 GW of power projects in development, Globeleq is poised to continue driving innovation in Africa’s energy landscape.
The Red Sands BESS project is expected to set a precedent for future battery storage initiatives in Africa, demonstrating the viability of large-scale energy storage solutions. As South Africa and other African nations continue to grapple with energy challenges, projects like Red Sands could pave the way for more resilient and sustainable power systems. The successful implementation of this project may also encourage further investment in renewable energy and storage technologies, fostering a more dynamic and adaptive energy sector in Africa.