By:energycapitalpower

Independent power producer Globeleq and renewable energy developer African Rainbow Energy have reached commercial close on the 153 MW/612 MWh Red Sands battery energy storage system (BESS) in Northern Cape province, South Africa.

Financial close was achieved following project agreements signed between the country’s Department of Electricity and Energy and the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), with the project expected to enter commercial operation in 2027.

“[The project] highlights our ability to deliver large-scale, clean energy infrastructure that meets the continent’s evolving power needs,” stated Jonathan Hoffman, CEO, Globeleq.

The facility, set to occupy a five-hectare site near South Africa’s state utility Eskom’s Garbona substation, will charge from surplus solar power and discharge during peak demand periods. The project will provide grid-stabilizing ancillary services, including reserves and load shifting, and support grid congestion relief in the Northern Cape.

Solar equipment supplier Sungrow will supply the BESS and oversee a 15-year operations and maintenance contract.