Energy Storage Is The Key To Energy Access In East Africa

Does Eskom have a battery energy storage system?

Eskom is now searching for solutions for demand management and it has started procuring battery energy-storage systems (BESS). It has awarded contracts to two suppliers (a South Korean company called Hyosung Heavy Industries and a Chinese company named Pinggao Group).

Why is Eskom sourcing battery energy-storage systems (Bess)?

There are already encouraging developments in the local industry in terms of demand for storage solutions. Eskom is now searching for solutions for demand management and it has started procuring battery energy-storage systems (BESS).

Why does South Africa need a battery industry?

Firstly, the local industry depends on imported battery cells as South Africa has limited local technology and does not have large-scale manufacturing capabilities (these cells constitute 60% to 70% of production costs). Supporting the research and innovation activities in battery cells will yield long–term benefits for this industry.

How will a new battery storage project impact the local industry?

The local industry is poised to benefit from economies of scale generated by the new projects that are in the pipeline and increased demand by industrial and household end-users. So far, foreign-based companies dominate the supply of battery storage for the projects that are in the pipeline.

Do foreign-based companies dominate the supply of battery storage?

So far, foreign-based companies dominate the supply of battery storage for the projects that are in the pipeline. The country risks losing the opportunity produce energy storage batteries locally and to advance the industry. A number of challenges beset the local battery storage industry and active actions are required to unblock them.

Will battery storage be key to managing the electricity grid?

The IPP office states, “The expected rise in renewable energy production in the country means that battery storage will become key to managing the electricity grid. The large-scale battery storage capacity will be located at Eskom substations, with the utility buying the stored electricity from the successful bidders”