BESS an African energy storage generator company

Is the Red Sands project Africa's largest Bess asset a commercial close?

Globeleq claims this makes the Red Sands project Africa’s largest standalone BESS asset to have reached commercial close, highlighting the growing importance of battery storage in the region’s energy transition.

Who owns the Red Sands battery energy storage system?

Updated 1st July 2025 – The Red Sands Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), set to be Africa’s largest of its kind, has officially reached commercial close. Developed by Globeleq, which is 30% owned by Norfund, in partnership with African Rainbow Energy, the 153 MW/612 MWh project was signed off in June 2025 in Cape Town.

Why is Bess gaining a nascent battery market?

Some growth has been driven by declining cell costs, which in turn has allowed BESS to enter into nascent battery markets. Africa has seen its operational and pipeline energy storage projects grow in recent years as renewable energy becomes more affordable, and the price of batteries continue to fall.

What does the Red Sands Bess project mean for South Africa?

The project will span approximately five hectares and involves substantial upgrades to Eskom’s and the NTCSA’s grid infrastructure. The Red Sands BESS will ease transmission and distribution congestion in the Northern Cape, strengthening South Africa’s energy infrastructure and supporting a more resilient and decarbonized power sector.