South Africa set to get Africa’s largest battery

South Africa has picked a $300-million (R5.58 billion) standalone battery project that will be the biggest of its kind on the continent to boost its energy supply, according to Globeleq Inc.

The 153 MW Red Sands battery energy storage solutions installation to be built in the Northern Cape province was chosen as a preferred bidder in a government procurement process.

This is part of an effort by South Africa to transition to cleaner sources of energy and end electricity shortages.

The project site will span about 5 hectares (12 acres) and take two years to build after the financial close, which is expected later this year, Globeleq said in a statement on Friday.

It was originally developed by Magnora ASA unit African Green Ventures.