Independent power producer Globeleq and investment platform African Rainbow Energy have officially reached commercial close on the 612MWh Red Sands Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s energy transition journey.
The landmark development was confirmed through the signing of key project agreements with the Department of Electricity and Energy and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).
Globeleq, the project’s lead developer, described the achievement as a breakthrough for Africa’s energy storage sector.
“It highlights our ability to deliver large-scale, clean energy infrastructure that meets the continent’s evolving power needs,” said Jonathan Hoffman, CEO of Globeleq.
“Building on over a decade of renewable energy leadership in South Africa and our Cuamba solar-plus-storage plant in Mozambique, we’re integrating battery storage across our portfolio to support resilient, low-carbon power systems across Africa.”
Project overview: Red Sands BESS
The Red Sands project comprises a 153MW/612MWh standalone battery storage facility.
It is one of five projects selected under the inaugural window of South Africa’s Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) launched by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) in 2024.
Sited on a 5-hectare site in the Northern Cape, the BESS facility will connect to the national grid via Eskom’s Garona substation.
Commercial operations are slated to begin by 2027.
Globeleq holds a 70% stake in the project, supported by strategic investor Norfund.
Also, Sungrow, a leading Chinese solar PV inverter manufacturer, will supply the BESS units and serve as operations and maintenance (O&M) contractor.
The agreement for this was signed in May 2025 and will last for a 15-year period.
Strategic importance for South Africa’s energy sector
The Red Sands BESS project is designed to enhance grid stability and strengthen South Africa’s renewable energy framework.
It also aligns with Eskom’s broader strategy to modernize its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
In April, Eskom issued a tender to create a standalone renewable energy subsidiary, signaling its commitment to accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies.
“Agility and efficiency is at the heart of preparing for a competitive marketplace and ensuring we serve our current and future customers with the electricity supply solutions they require,” said Dan Marokane, Group Chief Executive of Eskom.
“We are now a year into our turnaround strategy, and we are not just focused on ending loadshedding; at the same time, we are pivoting Eskom into a sustainable and competitive company while ensuring security of supply.”