South African solar energy storage technology research

Why is battery energy storage important in South Africa?

Therefore, there is an increase in the exploration and investment of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to exploit South Africa’s high solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and help alleviate production losses related to load-shedding-induced downtime.

Does South Africa need energy storage technology?

South Africa has an opportunity to deploy energy storage technology to contribute meaningfully to a more resilient, stable, and sustainable electricity system. The country’s potential to successfully integrate energy storage was specifically noted by the IFC / ESMP study focused on emerging markets.

What is South Africa's energy supply roadmap?

South Africa’s electricity supply roadmap, the (2019 Integrated Resource Plan) has set a target for a battery storage capacity of between 2GW and 6.6GW by 2032. This aligns with the global push for a 25% annual growth in battery storage to reach 1,500 GW by 2030, according to IEA.

Can stationary energy storage solve South Africa's power system challenges?

While the potential of stationary energy storage to address the existing power system challenges, are high in South Africa, the current uptake of the technology is limited to customer-sited, behind-the-meter applications (largely for back up services).

What are South Africa's energy storage development and manufacturing objectives?

South Africa’s energy storage development and manufacturing objectives and roadmap. Anticipated changes in the generation and consumption profiles of the country with consideration of the most recent IRP (Intervention 1.2 under Policy levers) and any subsequent techno-economic planning and modelling.

Does South Africa's policy environment recognise energy storage?

The literature review and case studies revealed that a policy environment that recognises and signals the strategic value of energy storage can direct and enable development and investment in the sector. South Africa’s policy environment, represented by the IRP 2019, recognises ESS but only as a generation asset.