The battery storage system will allow increased energy storage capacity from future wind and solar-powered projects. Eskom said the battery storage system will assist in its plan to increase solar and wind power in its energy mix from the current 7.2% (installed) to 25.6% in 2030 – a 350% increase. The battery system will also be used to assist peak shaving, frequency support, and ancillary services in the distribution network.
Interesting background in the article about it being funded externally and essentially it replaces the original plan to install a lower capacity concentrated solar power plant. This has nearly four times the capacity in storage but will go a long way to better utilizing broader use of solar and wind generation across the country. In other words, its impact has a far greater positive effect than the CSP plant on its own. A smarter grid will have a greater benefit.
The first phase is expected to be completed at the end of 2020, and the second phase at the end of 2021.
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#^South Africa to get one of the world’s biggest battery storage systems
Eskom is installing a flagship 360MW battery energy storage system at 90 sites across South Africa.