• EDF starts building 1,028 MWh battery storage in Northern Cape
• $405M project to support Eskom under 15-year PPA
• Three sites to boost grid, aid renewable energy integration

EDF Power Solutions formally launched construction ,on Monday, for three battery storage projects in South Africa's Northern Cape province, marking the start of its 1,028 megawatt hour (MWh) Oasis 1 portfolio.

The sites at Nieuwehoop, Aggeneis, and Mookodi will have a combined capacity of 257 megawatts (MW) and 1,028 MWh of storage capacity, according to a statement from the company.

These projects were awarded under the first phase of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP). EDF is developing the sites in partnership with local firms Mulilo, Pele Green Energy, and Gibb-Crede.

Initial work includes site preparation, such as clearing and excavation, and laying the infrastructure foundations. Once operational, the projects will supply power to state utility Eskom under a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA).

The total cost for the three units is 7 billion rand (about $405 million), financed by Standard Bank of South Africa and ABSA. The portfolio includes a local participation mechanism, with 5% of the capital held by the local community through a Community Trust.

All three units are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2026, aligning with the 24-month timeline set at financial closure.

The Oasis 1 portfolio is significant for South Africa, which faced an electricity deficit of 14.4 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2023, according to Eskom. The battery storage is expected to strengthen the national grid and support the growing integration of intermittent renewable energy sources.

EDF is already a significant player in the country, operating wind farms with a total capacity of 145 MW and having nearly 1 GW of projects currently in development. The company stated the new storage projects confirm its commitment to becoming a major contributor to South Africa's energy transition.

Abdoullah Diop