Electricity and Control December 2024

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT

South Africa is well placed to become a manufacturing hub for components and equipment in the clean technol ogy value chain, including battery technologies for en ergy storage, electric mobility, materials handling equip ment and a range of other applications. This was highlighted by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, speaking recently at the opening of Balancell’s new R150 million state-of-the-art battery gigafactory in Ndabeni, Cape Town. Balancell is a future-focused, innovative technolo gy business that develops smart batteries designed to manage and protect themselves, and report their use and condition remotely. “The South African government is working closely with the industry to identify opportunities to deepen the bat tery technology value chain and to position South Africa as a manufacturing hub on the African continent. “A recent benchmarking study, supported by the World Bank Group, shows that South Africa is a compet itive manufacturing destination and offers a compelling value proposition for companies in this sector, as demon strated here,” Whitfield said. He also highlighted balance. Understanding the cost implications of alterations may make greenfield projects potentially more cost effective. Enabling a sustainable future Keeping circular economy principles in mind is important in ensuring battery manufacturing plants support the busi ness’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. This includes, for example, looking at solutions to design out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials at their highest possible value, and regenerating natural systems. It helps to drive clean growth, preserve natural capital and reduce waste, achieve net zero goals, reduce cost and improve industrial resilience. Whether it’s a new build or the retrofit of an existing facility to establish a giga factory, an overarching goal is to eliminate value leakage across the resource lifecycle, creating industrial symbioses and regenerating natural capital. Additionally, looking at the lifecycle of gigafactories through a sustainability lens means targeting efficiencies in the design and building of the facilities as well as en SA can become a manufacturing hub for clean tech

For more information visit: www.wsp.com suring they continue to operate efficiently and sustainably. Continuous monitoring, identifying opportunities to improve the lifecycle management of the factories, keeping track of evolving technologies and market demands all support these aims. Battery design, and the design of battery gigafactories, are part of a rapidly evolving industry. Embracing innova tion and preparing for the changing landscape, the devel opment of battery gigafactories can help the world reach a more sustainable future. □ References [1] https://source.benchmarkminerals.com/article/dawn-of-the gigafactories-five-rules-to-scaling-gigafactory-production [2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1103218/global-battery-demand forecast/ [3] https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/lithium-ion battery-market-100123 [4] https://evmarketsreports.com/300-billion-in-new-lithium-ion-battery gigafactories/ renewable energy sector continues to grow and South Africa opens up to new energy vehicles. “Witnessing the investment from homegrown compa nies in this sector is inspiring,” Whitfield said. “Balancell’s investment of R150 million in this factory is directly in line with the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity and demonstrates the innovative and entrepreneur ial spirit that defines many South African businesses “We are motivated by the company’s prospects for growth and further job creation in the coming years. The 75 existing jobs created in this gigafactory, supporting more than 1 500 indirect jobs, is a clear indication of the multiplier effect that can be achieved by strengthening and growing the manufacturing sector,” Whitfield said. He highlighted the importance of building a strong base of skilled South Africans. “Expanding industry partnerships with leading universities and research institutions to enhance local research, development and testing of components is critical to the industry. I am encouraged that Balancell is already working with the Nelson Mandela and Stellenbosch Universities, as well as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research,” the Deputy Minister said. He described the opening of the gigafactory as an affirmation of the importance of building industrial ca pacity and working together to achieve the shared vision of South Africa becoming a global player in the battery value chain.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Balancell’s new battery gigafactory in Cape Town provides for increased production of battery energy storage systems in South Africa.

that there are a number of policies and incentives in place to support the growth of this key sector. Demand for smart bat tery storage technologies will only increase as the

For more information visit: www.sanews.gov.za and https://balancell.com/

10 Electricity + Control DECEMBER 2024