Exploring Jinko ESS: Local Support, Scalability, and Renewable Integration – Titus Koech, Head of Technical ESS: MEA, JinkoSolar

Jinko ESS is a strategic arm of Jinko and aims to become one of the world’s leading energy storage solutions providers, specifically designed for commercial, industrial, and utility applications. Jinko ESS was established in 2022 and currently has over 700 energy storage experts from the Sales, Technical Service, R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality Departments. Jinko is ranked among the Hurun Top 50, Fortune China Top 500, and MIT Technology Review’s 50 Smartest Companies in the World. Jinko ESS has been ranked as a Tier 1 Energy Storage Manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

• What are the latest advancements in Jinko Solar’s ESS technology, and how are they improving energy efficiency in Africa?

Jinko ESS has made significant improvements in its Energy Storage System (ESS) technology & solutions in a bid to make it more suitable for regions like Africa. Here are some of the main updates on the new generation Suntera and Sungiga energy storage solutions:

1. Advanced Thermal Management: This multi-modal and finely controlled thermal management system can maintain optimal battery temperature in the battery cabinet or container which reduces the overall auxiliary power losses by up to 20% during the charging and discharging process, with zero power consumption during the standby process thus increasing overall system round-trip efficiency (RTE>94%). There is also the use of double block and bleed valves ensuring that there is no leakage during pack-level replacement, making disassembly and maintenance more convenient. This is also enhanced by a double O-ring sealing combined with a secondary locking design further reduces the risk of cooling agent leakage.

2. Fire Safety Measures: Jinko ESS uses Fire-resistant materials and robust fire suppression systems to help mitigate fire risks, while integrated fire detection systems provide early warnings. The integrated fire protection is enhanced with the addition of flammable gas detection and ventilation devices, improving explosion-proof performance; explosion venting devices can also be added to meet the standards of NFPA 68/69. Water spray is used as a final safeguard to enhance safety. Jinko is currently allowing the use of an optional pack-level fire suppression system, employing a multi-spraying strategy for fire-extinguishing agents, ensuring precise fire extinguishment and rapid response; reducing the amount of extinguishing agent used, and improving the efficiency of fire extinguishment.
3. Battery Management System (BMS): A sophisticated BMS monitors battery health, voltage, current, and temperature, ensuring safe operation and extending battery life to up to 20 years. The BMS is a three-layered structure that monitors up to cell-level data. The battery equivalent circuit model, aging model, and power profile combined with intelligent correction algorithms, achieve a joint estimation of SOC and SOH. This enables the whole lifecycle SOC error to be ≤3% and SOH error to be ≤5%. The BMS hardware is highly integrated and unified, with a rich set of interfaces, including multiple RS485, DI/DO, Ethernet, CAN, 4G ports which support communication protocols such as IEC61850, IEC104, MODBUS, MQTT, and other IoT protocols.
4. Robust Enclosure: Jinko ESS uses durable enclosures to protect the batteries from environmental factors and physical damage, enhancing overall system reliability. The cabinets and containers for Sungiga & Suntera are IP55 rated, with an optional C5 corrosion rating allowing use in highly saline environments and a wide range of temperatures making it suitable for high-temperature desert environments. The new generation Suntera and Sungiga is also designed to work in altitudes of up to more than 3000m which makes it suitable for application in high-altitude environments in Africa.
5. Intelligent Monitoring System: Jinko has invested in robust local and cloud-based monitoring systems to monitor system performance to help identify and address potential safety issues proactively. This leverages the data locality advantage of the device to support real-time edge computing and diagnostics for battery safety and health performance. It also utilizes edge technology to achieve real-time diagnostics of battery safety status and analyze and assess the overall system performance.
6. Compliance with Standards: Jinko’s BESS adheres to international safety standards and certifications, ensuring they meet stringent quality and safety requirements. These global certificates include and are not limited to IEC and UL.

•        How do Jinko Solar’s energy storage solutions stand out from other suppliers in Africa, and what unique features address the region’s needs?

Jinko Solar’s energy storage solutions have several distinctive features that making it more suitable for the African market:

1. Tailored Solutions for on-grid and Off-Grid Applications: Jinko’s energy storage systems are designed to support off-grid and on-grid applications, which are crucial in many countries with unreliable grid access. Jinko also allows a seamless transition from off-grid to on-grid and vice versa making the ESS mostly suitable for micro-grid application. For commercial and industrial solutions, the transition time is up to 20 milliseconds which is industry-leading.
2. Scalability: Jinko ESS are modular and scalable, allowing customers to start small and expand as needed, accommodating varying energy demands.
3. High Efficiency and Performance: Jinko’s energy storage solutions utilize advanced battery technologies, ensuring high energy density and efficient performance, which is essential for maximizing limited resources.
4. Robustness and Durability: Designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions.  Jinko’s ESS is built to endure extreme temperatures, dust, and humidity which is common in many African regions.
5. Integration with renewable Solutions: Jinko offers integrated solar and storage solutions, enabling customers to harness solar power effectively, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and lower energy costs. Jinko ESS provides the option of DC-coupled or AC-coupled PV integration.
6. Smart Monitoring and Management: Jinko incorporates smart technology in its ESS solutions, allowing for real-time monitoring and management, which helps optimize performance and reliability in unstable grid environments.
7. Local Support and Training: Jinko ESS emphasizes local partnerships and provides training to ensure that installations and maintenance are carried out effectively, fostering sustainability and knowledge transfer. Jinko ESS has a professional after-sales service team (locally & HQ based) that provides full-process tracking service, adopts a project management process, responds promptly to needs, and efficiently solves problems.
8. Affordability and Financing Options: Competitive pricing and flexible financing options help make Jinko’s solutions accessible to a broader range of customers, including small businesses, communities, and utilities.
9. Focus on Renewable Energy Transition: Jinko aligns its offerings with Africa’s push toward renewable energy, supporting initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy security.

By addressing these regional needs and challenges, Jinko Solar’s energy storage solutions provide effective and reliable options for energy access and sustainability in Africa.

What key trends in energy storage do you see shaping the future of renewables in Africa?

There are several key trends in energy storage are shaping the future of renewables in Africa:

1. Increased Adoption of Renewable Energy: As solar and wind power become more cost-effective, energy storage is increasingly essential to manage intermittent energy supply, supporting a transition to a more renewable-driven energy landscape.
2. Decentralized Energy Systems: With a focus on off-grid and micro-grid solutions, energy storage technologies are enabling decentralized energy systems, which are particularly important for rural electrification and energy access in underserved areas.
3. Technological Advancements: Innovations in battery technologies, such as liquid-cooled energy storage systems applied to LFP-based systems and emerging alternatives like solid-state and flow batteries, are enhancing energy density, efficiency, and lifespan, making energy storage more viable and appealing.
4. Cost Reductions: Falling prices for battery systems and energy storage solutions are making these technologies more accessible, driving adoption among businesses, communities, and households.
5. Government Policies and Incentives: Increased support from governments and international organizations, including subsidies and other incentives and favorable regulations, is promoting investment in energy storage and renewable energy projects.
6. Hybrid Energy Systems: The integration of energy storage with renewable sources is becoming common, creating hybrid systems that improve energy reliability and efficiency while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. These hybrid systems ensure enhanced energy security.
7. Smart Grid Technologies: The development of smart grid infrastructure allows for better energy management and integration of renewable sources and storage, improving resilience and efficiency in energy distribution.
8. Focus on Climate Resilience: As climate change impacts become more pronounced, there is a growing emphasis on building resilient energy systems that can withstand extreme weather and other disruptions, making energy storage a critical component. COP28 in 2023 signaled the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era.
9. Corporate Sustainability Initiatives: Businesses are increasingly adopting renewable energy and storage solutions as part of their sustainability strategies, driving demand for these technologies in the commercial sector.
10. Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Increased involvement of local communities and stakeholders in energy projects ensures that energy storage solutions are tailored to meet specific local needs, fostering acceptance and enhancing project success.