Sungrow, Globeleq Ink 612MWh BESS Deal In South Africa

Sungrow, a global PV inverter and energy storage provider, and Globeleq, an independent power producer in Africa, have signed a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) supply and a 15-year long-term service term sheet for the 153MW / 612MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa.

The Red Sands BESS project is part of South Africa’s inaugural Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) and is located in the Northern Cape, about 100km southeast of Upington. It will be one of the largest standalone battery energy storage systems in Africa.

Red Sands BESS will use approximately 5 hectares (12 acres) and will connect to the grid through the Eskom Garona substation. The project is positioned to support South Africa’s power system by delivering critical services such as load shifting and grid stabilization, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, and addressing ongoing energy supply challenges. 

Sungrow

Under the signed term sheet, Sungrow will supply its PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system and will provide comprehensive Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services under a 15-year contract with Globeleq’s Red Sands BESS project, ensuring long-term reliability, efficiency, and optimal project performance. The Red Sands BESS project is expected to reach a financial close in 2025 and will begin operations in 2027.

Paolo de Michelis Globeleq’s Head of Renewables said, “We are excited to sign the Supply and 15-year Long Term Service Agreement term sheets with Sungrow for our 153MW/612MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa, the largest stand-alone battery energy storage project in Sub-Saharan Africa to date. Developing BESS projects involves navigating complex challenges and requires a strategic long-term commitment from all project partners to ensure the project’s success.”