October 18, 2024, Cape Town, South Africa — The City of Cape Town has initiated bidding for a new battery energy storage facility at its Atlantis Solar PV plant. The project aims for a minimum power output of 5 MW and a usable energy storage capacity of 8 MWh, sufficient to supply 300 homes with an average daily consumption of 25 kWh.
Energy MEC Xanthea Limberg stated that this initiative reflects the city's commitment to diversify energy sources and reduce electricity costs amid Eskom's proposed 44% tariff increase. Currently, 75% of the city's electricity tariff income is allocated to purchasing power from Eskom.
This project is part of a broader initiative by President Cyril Ramaphosa to install 500 MW of battery capacity across South Africa. While relatively small compared to Eskom's R11 billion battery energy storage system (BESS) project, which aims for a 343 MW output, it serves as a pilot to assess the integration of energy storage with solar plants.
Executive Director of Energy Kadri Nassiep indicated that the pilot will help understand the implications of energy storage, including costs and human resource requirements. Interested bidders have until November 20, 2024, to submit applications.
Meanwhile, Eskom's BESS project is significantly delayed, with less than a quarter of its intended capacity expected to be operational by the end of 2024 due to funding issues. Originally scheduled for full commissioning by December 2024, only three of the planned twelve sites are operational as of October 2024.