In a major win for South Africa’s clean energy transition, Globeleq and African Rainbow Energy have officially reached commercial close on the 153 MW / 612 MWh Red Sands Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)—now Africa’s largest standalone battery energy project to achieve this milestone.
Set in South Africa’s sun-drenched Northern Cape, the Red Sands BESS is more than just a technical feat—it’s a bold step toward solving some of the country’s most pressing energy challenges. Designed to ease grid congestion and bolster supply reliability, the project promises to inject new life into South Africa’s power infrastructure, while accelerating the shift toward low-carbon, decentralized energy.
A Landmark Moment for African Energy Storage
Covering approximately five hectares, the Red Sands facility will be a crucial node in stabilizing South Africa’s national grid. It includes major grid infrastructure upgrades in partnership with Eskom and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).
“This is a landmark moment for battery storage in Africa,” said Jonathan Hoffman, CEO of Globeleq. “Red Sands reflects our ability to deliver large-scale, clean energy infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of the continent. We’re not just building storage—we’re building resilience.”
The project builds on Globeleq’s growing portfolio of renewable assets across Africa, including the Cuamba solar-plus-storage plant in Mozambique, signaling a broader trend toward integrated, sustainable power systems.
Empowering Africa with Modern Technology
Brian Dames, CEO of African Rainbow Energy, emphasized the broader impact:
“Partnering on Red Sands supports our mission to deploy modern, renewable technologies that provide affordable power across South Africa and the continent—while uplifting communities along the way.”
He added that the project contributes to their R3 billion commitment under the South African Investment Drive, reinforcing their dedication to sustainable, inclusive development.
Why Red Sands Matters
As South Africa continues to grapple with load shedding, grid constraints, and rising energy demands, battery energy storage has emerged as a game-changing solution. The Red Sands BESS will allow the country to store excess renewable energy—especially from solar and wind—and release it when it’s needed most.
This isn’t just about storing power. It’s about storing progress.
Red Sands is not just a project—it’s a signal. Africa’s energy future is clean, connected, and coming online faster than ever before.
