Globeleq and African Rainbow Energy have reached commercial close on the 153MW/612MWh Red Sands battery energy storage system in South Africa, marking the continent’s largest standalone BESS project to date.
Located in the Northern Cape, Red Sands will ease transmission congestion, bolster grid stability, and support a more resilient, decarbonised power system, the companies said.
The project, covering around five hectares, will involve major grid infrastructure upgrades in partnership with Eskom and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).
Red Sands was named a preferred bidder in 2024 under South Africa’s battery energy storage IPP programme.
Globeleq chief executive Jonathan Hoffman said: “Commercial close on the Red Sands BESS is a landmark moment… we’re integrating battery storage across our portfolio to support resilient, low-carbon power systems across Africa.”
The system will charge from excess solar generation during off-peak periods and discharge during peak hours to relieve grid pressure.
NTCSA interim chief executive Segomoco Scheppers said the 153MW facility would “unlock additional capacity in the constrained Northern Cape supply area”.
Globeleq’s portfolio includes 13 solar, wind and hybrid PV-plus-storage projects in South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya and Egypt, alongside the Menengai geothermal plant under construction in Kenya.
Brian Dames, CEO of African Rainbow Energy, said: “This investment supports our objective to provide affordable electricity… whilst uplifting communities.”
The project has attracted international backing, including support from British International Investment, Norfund, and UK and Norwegian government officials.
British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson said Red Sands represents “a bold step toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future”, while Norwegian Ambassador Gjermund Sæther called it “a milestone” for both climate security and global cooperation.