Envision Energy, a nuclear and renewable energy leader, has announced a contract with the EDF Group to supply three battery energy storage systems (BESS) for the Oasis 1 cluster of projects in South Africa. With a total capacity of 257 MW and 1028 MWh of storage, this is the largest battery energy storage system order in South Africa, establishing Envision as the first energy storage supplier in the region to secure a GWh-scale order.
The projects, part of South Africa’s Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP), include the Oasis Aggeneis, Oasis Mookodi, and Oasis Nieuwehoop power plants in the Northern Cape Province. EDF collaborated with co-sponsor Mulilo and equity partners Pele Energy Group and Gibb-Crede under the Oasis Consortium to secure the projects. Each project incorporates a 5% ownership stake for local communities through a Community Trust. Financial close was reached on November 20, 2024, with operations expected by the end of 2026.
Envision Energy will supply the facilities with a comprehensive suite of AC and DC energy storage equipment, including station SCADA and EMS systems. The DC system will feature Envision’s state-of-the-art 20-foot, 5 MWh storage units powered by high-safety, high-performance 315Ah cells. Additionally, Envision will provide 15 years of full lifecycle operation and maintenance services.
“Battery storage technology is a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems, and we are delighted to contribute our leading technology to this milestone project in South Africa,” said Kane Xu, Senior Vice President and President of International Product Lines at Envision Energy.
Kane Xu added, “Once operational, this initiative will address frequent load management issues in South Africa’s power grid, enhance grid stability, and reduce reliance on coal-fired power plants, supporting the country’s transition to a sustainable energy future.”
These battery systems aim to enhance South Africa’s power infrastructure by alleviating grid congestion, enabling renewable energy integration, and participating in energy markets through arbitrage and ancillary services. The initiative aligns with South Africa’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
“We look forward to constructing this project with our industrial partners Envision Energy and Huadong, chosen for their expertise with energy storage products and their ability to deliver reliable and effective systems,” said Gregoire de Montgolfier, EDF Renewables Projects Director.
