Sungrow and Globeleq have signed a term sheet for the supply and long-term service of the Red Sands Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, set to become Africa’s largest standalone battery energy storage system. The announcement was made in Munich, Germany, on 26 May 2025.
The 153MW/612MWh Red Sands BESS is part of South Africa’s inaugural Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP). Located about 100 kilometers southeast of Upington in the Northern Cape, the project will span approximately 5 hectares (12 acres) and will connect to the grid through Eskom’s Garona substation.
The Red Sands BESS will provide vital services to South Africa’s power system, including load shifting and grid stabilization. These capabilities are expected to support the integration of renewable energy sources and help address persistent energy supply challenges in the country.
Sungrow will supply its PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system and will also provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services under a 15-year contract. The aim is to ensure the long-term reliability, efficiency, and optimal performance of the project.
According to Paolo de Michelis, Globeleq’s Head of Renewables, “We are excited to sign the Supply and 15-year Long Term Service Agreement term sheets with Sungrow for our 153MW/612MWh Red Sands BESS project in South Africa, the largest stand-alone battery energy storage project in Africa to date. Developing BESS projects involves navigating complex challenges and requires a strategic long-term commitment from all project partners to ensure the project’s success. Sungrow’s track record in South Africa, high-quality technology and competitiveness will be instrumental in overcoming these challenges and delivering a reliable project and stable grid.”
The project is expected to reach financial close in 2025, with operations commencing in 2027.
