Grid-scale battery storage could change the power situation in South Africa in many positive ways writes Menno Sulsters, the Project Engineer at SEM Solutions.

A battery energy storage system (BESS) that charges or collects energy from the grid or a power plant and then discharges it later to provide electricity or other grid services when needed could be just what South Africa needs.

Grid-scale battery storage can also contribute to cleaner energy. The world has realised that we need to change our attitude to and practice of carbon-intensive processes. This awareness has contributed to the growth in demand for cleaner approaches to mitigate global climate change. This has led to a rapid cost reduction in renewable energy power generation, such as wind, solar, hydro, and biogas. Grid-scale battery storage and dispatch can also be used for any power produced, regardless of the source.

But can we do it?

Currently, we can choose one of several battery chemistries available or under investigation for grid-scale applications. These include lithium-ion, lead-acid, redox flow and molten salt, including sodium-based chemistries. Each have diverse technical characteristics and therefore each has unique advantages and disadvantages.

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Source: EsiAfrica