Could locally produced batteries be a solution to Africa's energy crisis?

“With Eskom ’s new 1.4 GWh energy storage project, locally produced batteries may provide a good opportunity for a true local solution to an urgent need,” says Naicker. “The lack of affordable batteries has prohibited the mass-penetration of much-needed energy storage solutions throughout Africa,” he adds.

Is Africa the only battery producer in the world?

But Europe is not the only player in the space: American and Asian automakers like Tesla and Toyota are building battery gigafactories in a bid to dominate the electric vehicle battery market. Yet, one region is absent in the global battery production race. As the key producer of battery minerals, Africa is a lynchpin in battery supply chains.

Where do African buyers buy automotive batteries?

A large number of African buyers are also buying their requirements for automotive batteries from suppliers, wholesalers of batteries inDubai. The manufacturers are being supported in their campaign by their respective revenue authorities, national environmental bodies, trade ministries and, notably, the East African Community.

Who owns the Red Sands battery energy storage system?

Updated 1st July 2025 – The Red Sands Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), set to be Africa’s largest of its kind, has officially reached commercial close. Developed by Globeleq, which is 30% owned by Norfund, in partnership with African Rainbow Energy, the 153 MW/612 MWh project was signed off in June 2025 in Cape Town.

Does Scatec have a solar-plus-storage site in South Africa?

Scatec’s Kenhardt solar-plus-storage site in South Africa (above), which went online at the end of 2023. Image: Scatec. Africa’s energy storage market has seen a boom since 2017, having risen from just 31MWh to 1,600MWh in 2024, according to trade body AFSIA Solar’s latest report.

What are the most popular solar-plus-storage developments in Africa?

As noted by AFSIA Solar, one of the most notable solar-plus-storage developments in Africa is Norway-based independent power producer (IPP) Scatec’s 225MW/1,140MWh Kenhardt project in South Africa. The site started operation in late 2023 (pictured above).