The City of Cape Town is inviting bids for its inaugural utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) facility, marking a significant step in the city’s renewable energy strategy.
This announcement follows the recent groundbreaking at the Atlantis solar photovoltaic (PV) plant site, which will generate 7MW-10MW of solar power.
Cape Town’s BESS project, co-located at the Atlantis PV plant, is designed as a pilot to test energy storage integration within the city’s power network.
The combined solar PV and battery system will operate as a hybrid facility, providing enhanced energy efficiency and resilience.
According to Alderman Xanthea Limberg, the mayoral committee member for energy, the storage system aims to deliver a minimum-rated power output of 5MW with an energy storage capacity of 8MWh, enough to supply over 300 homes with an average daily consumption of 25kWh.
“The addition of battery storage to the Atlantis solar PV facility makes our hybrid plant even more dynamic,” Limberg said.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to diversifying energy sources, promoting sustainability, and working to lower electricity costs, particularly amid Eskom’s proposed 44% tariff hike.
These initiatives align with our energy strategy and the mayoral priority program to enhance energy security, affordability, and cleaner energy options for Cape Town.”
Battery storage is crucial as renewable energy sources increase on the grid, allowing energy from solar or wind to be stored until needed, thereby improving reliability and supply security.
The R200 million Atlantis solar PV project is a key part of Cape Town’s 2050 energy strategy to diversify and future-proof its energy resources.
The city is encouraging interested bidders to submit applications by November 20 and to visit the tender portal for details. “We welcome private sector partners to join Cape Town’s energy journey,” Limberg added.
