Red Sands BESS: Africa’s Largest Battery Project Hits Close
Globeleq, a leading independent power company in Africa, and its project partner, African Rainbow Energy, have announced that they have successfully reached commercial close on the 153 MW/612 MWh Red Sands battery energy storage project (Red Sands BESS) in South Africa.
This milestone was achieved after signing the project agreements with the Department of Electricity and Energy and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).
Largest Standalone Battery Storage Project in Africa
Located in the Northern Cape, the Red Sands BESS project is the largest standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Africa to reach commercial close. The project will span approximately five hectares and include substantial upgrades to Eskom’s and NTCSA’s grid infrastructure.
The Red Sands BESS is set to significantly ease transmission and distribution congestion in the Northern Cape, contributing to South Africa’s energy infrastructure and enhancing the resilience of the power sector.
As a key part of the South African Government’s battery energy storage independent power producer programme, Red Sands BESS will play a crucial role in supporting grid stability. By storing energy during off-peak times and releasing it during periods of peak demand, the facility will provide critical ancillary services and grid management support to NTCSA.
Advancing Renewable Energy in Africa
Globeleq’s CEO, Jonathan Hoffman, said, “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.
He added, “Building on over a decade of renewable energy leadership in South Africa and our Cuamba solar-plus-storage plant in Mozambique, we’re integrating battery storage across our portfolio to support resilient, low-carbon power systems across Africa.”
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Impact on South Africa's Energy Grid
Segomoco Scheppers, Eskom’s interim Chief Executive for NTCSA, spoke about the impact of Red Sands BESS on unlocking additional capacity in the Northern Cape supply area.
The 153 MW facility will store energy primarily generated by solar PV plants in the area during off-peak periods, with the batteries discharging during peak periods to alleviate grid pressure. The project will promote grid stability by supplying ancillary services, contributing to the country’s dispatchable load.
