Globeleq, a leading independent power producer, and African Rainbow Energy have reached commercial close on the 153MW/612MWh Red Sands Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), located in South Africa’s Northern Cape. This landmark achievement marks Red Sands as the largest standalone BESS project on the African continent.
The Red Sands project, spanning approximately five hectares, is poised to significantly ease transmission congestion, bolster grid stability, and support a more resilient and decarbonized power system for South Africa. A critical component of the initiative involves major grid infrastructure upgrades, undertaken in collaboration with Eskom and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). Red Sands was initially selected as a preferred bidder in 2024 under South Africa’s competitive battery energy storage Independent Power Producer (IPP) program.
Jonathan Hoffman, CEO of Globeleq, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating, “Commercial close on the Red Sands BESS is a landmark moment. We are actively integrating battery storage across our portfolio to support resilient, low-carbon power systems across Africa.” The system will optimize grid efficiency by charging from excess solar generation during off-peak periods and discharging during peak hours to alleviate grid pressure.
Segomoco Scheppers, Interim Chief Executive of NTCSA, affirmed the facility’s impact, noting that the 153MW capacity will “unlock additional capacity in the constrained Northern Cape supply area.” This expansion is vital for South Africa’s energy security and transition goals.
Globeleq’s extensive portfolio in Africa includes 13 solar, wind, and hybrid PV-plus-storage projects spanning South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and Egypt, alongside the Menengai geothermal plant currently under construction in Kenya.
Brian Dames, CEO of African Rainbow Energy, highlighted the broader societal benefits, remarking, “This investment supports our objective to provide affordable electricity while uplifting communities.”
The Red Sands project has garnered robust international backing, receiving support from British International Investment, Norfund, and high-level officials from the UK and Norwegian governments. British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson lauded Red Sands as “a bold step toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future,” while Norwegian Ambassador Gjermund Sæther hailed it as “a milestone” for both climate security and global cooperation.
