Envision Energy has secured an order to supply three battery energy storage systems (BESS) for South Africa’s Oasis 1 cluster of projects, which has a total of 257MW of capacity and 1,028 megawatt hours (MWh) of storage.

It will become the largest battery energy storage order in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the region’s renewable energy sector.

The contract positions Envision Energy as the first energy storage system supplier in the region to secure a gigawatt-scale order.

The Oasis projects are part of South Africa’s inaugural Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP).

EDF, in collaboration with Mulilo, Pele Energy Group and Gibb-Crede, has secured the Oasis Aggeneis, Oasis Mookodi and Oasis Nieuwehoop power plants in Northern Cape Province.

Each project includes a 5% ownership interest for local communities through a Community Trust.

Financial close was achieved on 20 November 2024, with operations expected by the end of 2026.

Envision Energy will provide AC [alternating current] and DC [direct current] energy storage equipment, including station SCADA [supervisory control and data acquisition] and EMS [environmental management systems].

The DC side will feature Envision’s 20ft, 5MWh storage units powered by high-safety, high-performance 315Ah cells. The company will also offer 15 years of comprehensive lifecycle operation and maintenance services.

Envision Energy senior vice-president and president of international product lines Kane Xu stated: “Battery storage technology is a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems, and we are delighted to contribute our leading technology to this milestone project in South Africa.

Once operational, it will effectively address the frequent load management of the current South African power grid, enhance grid stability and reduce reliance on coal-fired power plants, supporting South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable energy system.”

The battery energy storage initiative will significantly enhance South Africa’s power infrastructure, alleviating grid congestion and increasing renewable energy integration.

It aims to aid South Africa’s low-carbon energy transition and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through energy arbitrage and ancillary services.

EDF Renewables projects director Gregoire de Montgolfier stated: “We look forward to constructing this project with our industrial partners Envision Energy and Huadong, chosen for their expertise with energy storage products, and ability to deliver a reliable and effective system.”

In addition to its South African projects, Envision Energy is advancing Kazakhstan’s green energy transition.

The company is partnering with Samruk Energy and Kazakhstan Utility Systems to establish local manufacturing facilities for wind turbines and energy storage systems.

This strategic agreement aims to enhance Kazakhstan’s renewable energy capacity and accelerate its transition to a green economy.