Why is energy storage important in South Africa?

But as South Africa changes its model for producing and distributing electricity, the demand for energy storage solutions is likely to rise. As coal-fired power plants are decommissioned and renewable energy sources – typically intermittent – are increasingly adopted, reliable and efficient energy storage is coming more and more to the fore.

Does South Africa have a battery storage system?

Matzner notes that South Africa has already made some progress in the deployment of battery storage systems, which can typically provide up to four to five hours of energy storage.

What challenges are facing the battery storage market in South Africa?

A lot of municipalities have a lot of vacant land, which can be utilised for storage.” Another challenge facing the battery storage market in South Africa is the reliance on imported equipment, the bulk of which is sourced from countries such as China and South Korea.

How much electricity does Eskom produce in South Africa?

Eskom, the vertically integrated, state-owned power company, generates approximately 95 percent of electricity used in South Africa, as well as a substantial share of the electricity generated on the African continent. The utility ranks in the top 20 utilities worldwide by generation capacity and is the biggest producer of power in Africa.

Is South Africa transitioning to a new energy system?

An Investec podcast on South Africa's energy transition. Matzner explains that South Africa is currently in the process of transitioning to a new system for electricity supply and consumption, from the one previously built around a single, state-owned utility (Eskom).

What does the South African Department of energy do?

The South African Department of Energy is tasked with the procurement of 3,126 MW of power from gas in the period 2019–2025. This is to be baseload and mid-merit energy generation capacity needed from gas-fired power generation to contribute toward energy security. The Department’s “Gas IPP Program” has been initiated through the IPP Office.