Project agreements have been signed with the Department of Electricity and Energy and the National Transmission Company South Africa.
The Red Sands BESS marks a significant step in strengthening South Africa’s power infrastructure. It aims to ease transmission and distribution constraints while enhancing grid reliability across the region. Selected as a preferred bidder in 2024 under South Africa’s government-led battery storage program, the project supports the country’s efforts to integrate renewable energy solutions.
“Commercial close on the Red Sands BESS is a landmark moment for Globeleq and for battery storage in Africa,” said Globeleq CEO Jonathan Hoffman. “It highlights our ability to deliver large-scale, clean energy infrastructure that meets the continent’s evolving power needs. 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.”
The Red Sands facility will store surplus electricity during off-peak periods and supply it during high-demand times, enabling efficient power flow management within NTCSA’s network. It will also provide essential ancillary services to maintain grid stability, contributing to a more robust energy system.
African Rainbow Energy, a renewable energy platform co-owned by African Rainbow Energy and Power and Absa Bank, is a key partner in the project. “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,” said African Rainbow Energy CEO Brian Dames. “This investment also marks the substantial progress of the R3 billion commitment we have made as part of the South African investment drive.”
Globeleq, backed by British International Investment and Norway’s Norfund, has developed a portfolio of power plants generating 1,794 MW across 17 locations in seven African countries since 2002. With 485 MW under construction and over 2 GW in development, the company continues to expand its renewable energy footprint.
The Red Sands BESS underscores South Africa’s commitment to modernizing its energy infrastructure, leveraging innovative storage solutions to meet growing demand while promoting sustainability and grid reliability.
