A team comprising EDF Renewables and CIP-owned Mulilo Energy has been awarded preferred bidder status for 257MW of grid storage capacity in South Africa.
The consortium has been selected as preferred bidder for three battery energy storage projects, totalling 257MW/1028 megawatt hours, out of a total of five projects awarded under the Department of Mineral Resources’ first Energy Battery Energy Storage Procurement Programme.
Mulilo is a South African independent power producer majority-owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) through its Growth Markets Fund I.
The consortium will deliver the three battery energy storage system (BESS) projects, Oasis Aggeneis, Oasis Mookodi and Oasis Nieuwehoop, which will be connected to South Africa’s electricity grid.
The total cost of the projects is estimated to be more than ZAR7bn (€343m) and construction is expected to commence in mid-2024.
When completed, the three projects will dispatch electricity under 15-year power purchase agreements.
Robert Helms, a partner at CIP, said: “Securing preferred bidder status for the majority of the procured capacity in South Africa’s first public battery storage tender together with EDF marks a significant step in the accelerated growth journey of Mulilo.
“We commend the South African government’s strong commitment to the rapid buildout of battery energy storage, a key focus technology for Mulilo.
“With the announcement, we are proud for Mulilo to continue its positive contribution to the country’s energy security, socio-economic growth, and green transition.”
Mulilo’s chairman of the board, Jan Oberholzer, said: “This achievement is an important and significant milestone for Mulilo.
“I am very proud of the entire team that is currently outperforming our business plans and look forward, together with our partners, to the successful execution of these projects.
“We remain committed playing our important part ensuring sustainable electricity supply needed for economic growth and the betterment in the lives of the 61 million people in our beautiful country.”