Globeleq signs agreement with Sungrow for Red Sands project. (Image credit: Sungrow)

Independent power producer Globeleq has signed an agreement with China’s Sungrow for a battery energy storage system (BESS) for its 153MW Red Sands project in South Africa

The Red Sands BESS project is part of South Africa's inaugural Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme and is located in the Northern Cape, about 100km southeast of Upington.

It will be the largest standalone battery energy storage system in Africa.

Under the signed term sheet, Sungrow will supply its state-of-the-art PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled energy storage system.

It will also provide comprehensive operations and maintenance services under a 15-year contract, ensuring long-term reliability, efficiency and optimal project performance.

“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 standalone battery energy storage project in sub-Saharan Africa to date,” said Paolo de Michelis, Globeleq's head of renewables.

“Developing BESS projects involves navigating complex challenges and requires a strategic long-term commitment from all project partners to ensure the project’s success,” Michelis added.

“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."

Sungrow is a global leading PV inverter and energy storage provider and has installed 740GW of power electronic converters worldwide.

Working closely with leading global battery and balance-of-plant suppliers, Globeleq estimates the project will cost approximately US$300mn and will take 24 months to construct after financial close this year, with operations set to begin in 2027.

Red Sands BESS will use approximately 5 hectares (12 acres) and will connect to the grid through the Eskom Garona substation.

The project is strategically positioned to support South Africa's power system by delivering critical services such as load shifting and grid stabilisation, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and addressing ongoing energy supply challenges.

It also builds on the Africa portfolio of Globeleq, owned 70% by British International Investment and 30% by Norfund, which is a leading developer, owner and operator of power generation assets in Africa.

Since 2002, it has built a portfolio of independent power plants, generating 1,794MW in 17 locations across seven countries, with a further 485MW in construction and more than 2,000MW of power projects in development.

Red Sands will be Globeleq’s first largescale BESS project in South Africa where the group also owns and operates eight renewable plants (six solar PV, two wind) with a total generating capacity of 384MW.

It also owns a combined solar and BESS plant at Cuamba in Mozambique and is developing other BESS projects across the African continent.

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Cox and AMEA Power unite to deliver integrated water and energy solutions across emerging markets. (Image source: AMEA Power)

Cox and AMEA Power form strategic joint venture to tackle water and energy challenges across emerging markets

Two major players in the global water and energy sectors – Cox, headquartered in Spain, and Dubai-based AMEA Power – have announced the formation of a strategic joint venture aimed at accelerating the development of integrated water and energy infrastructure across Middle East, Africa, and Asia. 

Uniting expertise in water and renewable energy

Cox brings over five decades of experience in the global water and energy sectors to the partnership. With a current portfolio of five water concessions delivering up to 945,000 m³/day, six energy generation projects, and two transmission line concessions, Cox is a globally respected operator in infrastructure. Its leadership is especially evident in water treatment and desalination, where it has delivered more than 8.3 million m³/day in global capacity and received over 250 client certifications along with more than 20 international industry awards.

The company operates under a concession-based model and offers engineering, procurement, and O&M services. It has developed a diverse and strategically located portfolio across several fast-growing economies, ensuring reliable and recurring revenue streams. Its consistent high rankings by respected institutions like Global Water Intelligence (GWI), the Global Water Awards, and the International Desalination Association reflect its strong industry standing.

AMEA Power’s expanding renewable footprint

On the other side of the venture, AMEA Power has established itself as a leading force in renewable energy development across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. With operations and development pipelines active in over 20 countries, its renewable project portfolio exceeds 6 GW. Over 2,600 MW of this is either operational or under construction.

Driving sustainable development through partnership

This joint venture between Cox and AMEA Power merges complementary strengths – Cox’s global leadership in water infrastructure with AMEA Power’s renewable energy expertise – to tackle complex infrastructure demands in regions where access to water and energy are equally vital.

The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the two companies. AMEA Power became an anchor shareholder in Cox with a 3.76% equity stake acquired during the company’s IPO in November, signalling a strong, long-term commitment to Cox’s future.

Enrique Riquelme, executive chairman of Cox, commented, "This Joint Venture represents a critical step in Cox’s growth strategy, emerging from an integrated vision that combines water and energy solutions to tackle the most pressing challenges and meet the demands of markets in the Middle East and Africa. Through this partnership, we aim to develop projects where access to water and energy complement each other, creating new opportunities where both are essential for the sustainable development of communities."

Reimagining solar power in Africa

As the global energy sector races to meet net-zero commitments, utility-scale solar is undergoing a fundamental transformation, according to experts at Norwegian-based firm Scatec, which is heavily involved in Africa’s evolving power industry

No longer defined by megawatt capacity alone, solar projects are now being evaluated on their ability to deliver dispatchable power, enhance grid stability and provide critical ancillary services.

Nowhere is this evolution more pronounced than in Africa, particularly South Africa, where the Just Energy Transition is accelerating the shift towards resilient, grid-integrated renewable energy.

“Across the continent, and especially in South Africa, we’re seeing a strategic move away from variable-only generation,” said Jaco Uys, senior vice-president projects sub-Sahara Africa at Scatec.

“What matters now is whether a project can deliver clean energy consistently on demand day or night — this means thinking beyond solar panels, to fully integrated energy systems.”

South Africa’s Eskom-constrained grid has spotlighted the urgent need for firm, responsive power.

Grid compatibility is no longer optional, it is central to energy planning.

As independent power producers (IPPs) are increasingly permitted to co-develop transmission infrastructure under the country’s new independent transmission projects (ITP) framework, the focus is shifting to hybrid models that combine generation with advanced control technologies.

At the forefront of this movement is Scatec’s Kenhardt project, a hybrid solar-battery development in the Northern Cape.

Boasting 540MW of solar PV paired with 225 MW/1,140 MWh of battery storage, Kenhardt delivers consistent dispatchable energy under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Eskom.

“Kenhardt isn’t just a solar project,” said Nic Bailey, senior vice-president operational excellence and digitalisation at Scatec, “it’s a demonstration of what’s possible when you pair clean generation with flexible output. We’re not just injecting power into the grid, we’re actively supporting it.”

But we’re not witnessing seismic shifts in solar technology, Bailey added. “Instead, we’re seeing incremental improvements in efficiency, equipment size and LCOE year on year. That’s a positive for IPPs like us -- it allows for predictability in planning and stability in execution.”

In this new era, solar-plus-storage is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

“Amid challenges in the solar module market, the booming battery energy storage (BESS) sector is emerging as a vital growth area” added Uys. “It’s reshaping the value chain and fuelling supplier diversification.”

Projects like Kenhardt prove that renewable energy can be clean, reliable and bankable, aligning financial models with long-term energy security goals.

As South Africa continues to unlock private sector participation and modernise its energy infrastructure, the lessons from Kenhardt and other grid-resilient projects are resonating far beyond its borders.

Hybrid solutions represent the next chapter in the solar story — offering not just power, but progress.

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Eskom invites tenders for green hydrogen pilot at RT&D centre to support South Africa’s clean energy goals

Eskom has issued a tender for the construction of a pilot Renewable Hydrogen Facility (RHF) at its Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) centre in Johannesburg, marking a significant step in its decarbonisation journey

The initiative forms a crucial part of Eskom’s broader vision to help South Africa reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The RHF pilot is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Eskom’s decarbonisation roadmap while also demonstrating the long-term value of green hydrogen as a viable energy storage option.

The project is designed to help Eskom better understand the potential integration of green hydrogen into its operations. It also presents an opportunity to navigate the regulatory landscape surrounding hydrogen and build the internal expertise required for future implementation.

“Eskom is following a differentiated approach and multiple pathways to move from a high-carbon to low-carbon economy, and we are aggressively seeking creative, technology-led solutions to achieve this,” said Eskom group CEO, Dan Marokane.

“This is about harnessing clean energy for inclusive economic growth. The pilot facility will help our research teams understand hydrogen’s full value chain, from production to use, and ensure we’re ready to play a leading role in the transition responsibly and inclusively,” continued Marokane.

This pilot effort is part of a broader strategy within RT&D, which already runs a 400kW solar photovoltaic (PV) research pilot that includes battery testing. These existing facilities have delivered valuable data across Eskom’s operations, particularly in emissions and energy efficiency.

Recently, Eskom also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Exxaro Resources, aiming to partner on projects that address carbon emissions, air quality improvements, and South Africa’s just energy transition. In addition, Eskom is accelerating the creation of a dedicated Renewable Energy Business, and has launched a tender to identify partners with a proven track record in renewable energy development.

Eskom’s involvement in hydrogen innovation dates back to 2020. The utility was instrumental in shaping the South African Hydrogen Society Roadmap in 2021 and has supported national initiatives aimed at mainstreaming hydrogen as a future energy carrier.

The company continues to balance its energy mix – maintaining current coal and nuclear output while adding technologies such as gas, renewables, battery storage, and hydrogen. This approach is central to its mission of meeting increasing electricity demand through sustainable and secure methods.

Eskom’s RT&D business unit plays a critical role in identifying, testing, and applying innovative technologies that can boost efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure Eskom stays at the forefront of energy transformation. Its efforts are aligned with supporting South Africa’s competitiveness and long-term environmental goals.

Looking ahead, Eskom has committed to delivering 2GW of clean energy by 2026, with a longer-term development pipeline of more than 20GW. These milestones underline the utility’s intent to diversify South Africa’s energy landscape, attract fresh investment, and create lasting value for the nation.