Envision Energy has signed an agreement with SOLA Group and WBHO to supply a 660 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) for the Naos-1 project, considered the largest private-sector hybrid renewable energy initiative to reach financial close in South Africa. The agreement strengthens the company’s presence on the African continent and reinforces its strategy of promoting integrated solutions for the energy transition.
A hybrid project to strengthen the electricity supply
Located near Viljoenskroon in the Free State, Naos-1 will combine a 300 MW photovoltaic solar plant with a 660 MWh storage system. The infrastructure will allow renewable electricity to be supplied to large private consumers via the national grid, increasing the availability of clean energy even when solar generation declines.
Furthermore, the incorporation of energy storage will reduce the impact of the intermittency inherent in renewable sources and will contribute to improving the stability of the South African electricity system.
Integrated technology to optimize energy storage
Envision Energy will contribute its expertise across the entire battery energy storage value chain, including system design, manufacturing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance.
Likewise, the solution incorporates advanced battery technology along with an AI-based management platform capable of optimizing operational performance, reinforcing system safety, and improving efficiency throughout the project’s lifespan.
As part of the agreement, Envision and SOLA Group also signed a 25-year long-term service agreement (LTSA) to support the operation and ongoing maintenance of the facility.
The collaboration promotes the energy transition in Africa.
John Lee, general manager of Asia and Africa markets at Envision Energy, stated that the project demonstrates how the integration of renewable generation and storage can deliver a more reliable, flexible, and competitive electricity supply for emerging markets.
For his part, Ian Burger, CEO of SOLA Build, noted that companies demand infrastructure capable of combining sustainability, reliability, and profitability. He added that Naos-1 represents a new generation of energy projects designed to meet the needs of modern electricity markets and encourage greater private sector participation.
With this agreement, Envision Energy expands its presence in Africa through one of the continent’s most significant energy storage initiatives, as South Africa continues to move towards an electricity model with greater participation of renewable energy and large-scale storage solutions.
Source: Prnewswire
Photo: Shutterstock
