Electricity and Control March 2025

Renewable energy + industrial sustainability: Products + services

Renewable energy in SA in 2025

Advances in energy storage Renewable energy must be available around the clock, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) make that possible. As storage technology improves, costs decrease, and adoption grows. Scatec has already deployed large-scale battery solutions that help to stabilise the grid and unlock additional renewable capacity. Expanding energy storage will mean fewer power outages, greater grid reliability, and a smoother transition to a green economy. Green hydrogen on the rise Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is gaining traction as an alternative fuel for industries like steel and chemical production. The supply focus will likely be on North Africa initially, but South Africa and Namibia are exploring opportunities. Decentralised energy systems With recent legislative changes, businesses and communities can now generate and manage their own power. This shi– reduces pressure on the national grid and fosters competition among IPPs, driving down costs and increasing reliability. Scatec’s projects empower industries to secure their own energy supply, ensuring more stable and a†ordable electricity. South Africa has the opportunity to lead the continent in renewable energy innovation, Gambacorta says. By embracing clean energy, the country can ensure a more resilient, sustainable future with su†icient power to accelerate economic growth and with a reduced environmental impact. The transition is happening, and Scatec is proud to be part of it.

Looking at the opportunities South Africa’s renewable energy sector presents, Alberto Gambacorta, Executive Vice President: Sub Saharan Africa, at Scatec, highlights some key pointers on how renewable energy will shape the country this year and into the future. At this time, he notes, South Africa has the potential to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security through renewable energy. It can move forward from the years of power shortages and reliance on coal that have hindered progress, and advances in clean

Alberto Gambacorta, Executive Vice President: Sub-Saharan Africa, Scatec.

energy o†er a solution. Independent power producers (IPPs) like Scatec are leading this transformation, developing, building, and operating renewable energy projects that will help transition South Africa towards a sustainable future. Growth in solar and wind energy With improved technology, solar panels and wind turbines are becoming more e†icient and cost-e†ective. Large-scale solar and wind projects are expanding rapidly, reducing dependence on coal. Hybrid systems – combining solar with batteries – are already delivering reliable, a†ordable energy to homes and industries. Scatec has been at the forefront of this field, bringing projects like the utility-scale Kenhardt solar and battery facility online and demonstrating that renewable energy can power South Africa reliably.

The Kenhardt project in the Northern Cape, totalling 540 MW solar and 225 MW/1 140 MWh of battery storage, is one of the world’s largest hybrid solar and battery storage facilities.

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entity that can continue to contribute to South Africa’s socio economic growth and development into the future. Note: [1] The ‘SAFARI’ reactor is an abbreviation for the South African Fundamental Atomic Research Installation reactor.

a nuclear training centre of excellence. This will support more partnerships with academic and vocational training institutions, as well as growing the skills base for Necsa, the energy sector, and industry more broadly. Progress on these strategic projects has already seen the organisation return to a more stable footing and regain its commercial income streams – to position it as a sustainable

For more information visit: www.necsa.co.za

14 Electricity + Control MARCH 2025