What does South Africa's solar-plus-storage project mean for energy security?

South Africa electricity minister said the solar-plus-storage project is evidence of efforts to mitigate energy security situation.

Who owns the Red Sands battery energy storage system?

Updated 1st July 2025 – The Red Sands Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), set to be Africa’s largest of its kind, has officially reached commercial close. Developed by Globeleq, which is 30% owned by Norfund, in partnership with African Rainbow Energy, the 153 MW/612 MWh project was signed off in June 2025 in Cape Town.

Where is South Africa's new solar power plant located?

Located in the Northern Cape province, the site will supply dispatchable renewable electricity to the South African national grid for twenty years, equivalent to over 400 GWh per year.

How much money does South Africa spend on solar & battery imports?

In 2023 alone, the country spent over R17.5 billion (US$905 million) on solar and battery imports. This is unnecessary because South Africa sits on reserves of manganese, vanadium, platinum and other rare earth elements. These are the critical ingredients for manufacturing clean energy systems and storage, which could be made locally.

Is totalenergies launching a hybrid renewables project in South Africa?

Download the Press Release (PDF) Paris, December 15, 2023 – TotalEnergies and its partners are launching construction of a major hybrid renewables project in South Africa, comprising a 216 MW solar plant and a 500 MWh battery storage system to manage the intermittency of solar production.

Is Globeleq launching a Bess project in South Africa?

Red Sands will be Globeleq’s first Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) project in South Africa but the Group owns and operates a combined solar and BESS plant at Cuamba in Mozambique, and is developing BESS projects across the African continent.