Recent Status of Energy Storage Power Stations in Africa

Does Scatec have a solar-plus-storage site in South Africa?

Scatec’s Kenhardt solar-plus-storage site in South Africa (above), which went online at the end of 2023. Image: Scatec. Africa’s energy storage market has seen a boom since 2017, having risen from just 31MWh to 1,600MWh in 2024, according to trade body AFSIA Solar’s latest report.

Should African countries invest in battery production?

African countries must, therefore, invest in local manufacturing capacity, including building factories for battery production and developing the expertise needed to maintain and repair storage systems. Projects such as the Golomoti Solar plant in Malawi, which includes a 10MWh battery storage system, are a step in the right direction.

Why should Africa Invest in energy storage?

If Africa is to sustain its growth in renewable energy and create benefits for its population, implementing storage solutions becomes an imperative. Robust investment in storage will help to integrate different forms of energy into the grid seamlessly, thus promoting stable and uninterrupted power supply.

Can Africa become a key player in the global battery storage market?

To address this gap, Africa needs increased technology transfer, particularly in the fields of battery production and storage systems. With abundant reserves of critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, the continent has the potential to become a key player in the global battery storage market.