A consortium consisting of renewable energy developer, Mulilo, and independent power producer, EDF Renewables, has been selected as the preferred bidders for three battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in South Africa.
Boasting a capacity of 257 MW/1,028 MWh, the projects will be situated in South Africa’s Northern Cape and North West Provinces, and will deliver cost-effective and efficient storage capacity to the country’s ailing electricity grid.
Poised to commence construction in mid-2024, the Oasis Aggeneis, Oasis Mookodi, and Oasis Nieuwehoop projects will dispatch electricity under a 15-year power purchase agreement with South Africa’s power utility, Eskom. The total cost of the projects is estimated to be $375 million.
“We commend the South African government’s strong commitment to the rapid buildout of battery energy storage, a key focus technology for Mulilo,” stated Robert Helms, partner at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, majority owner of Mulilo, adding, “With the announcement, we are proud for Mulilo to continue its positive contribution to the country’s energy security, socioeconomic growth, and green transition.”
A total of five projects were awarded under South Africa’s Battery Energy Storage Procurement Program by the country’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in March 2023. The projects make up a 513 MW tender and are poised to provide capacity, energy, and ancillary services throughout South Africa.