Energy storage: generating value and maximising solar

One of the biggest challenges to realising the full potential of renewables has been the intermittent nature of the sources. However, with advances in storage technology, the challenges can be mitigated, offering solar PV operators the chance to generate value and make solar a mainstream option.

“Locally and internationally, there have been key developments in the energy storage sectors, which is accelerating the adoption of renewable energy sources,” says Frank Spencer, a spokesperson for solar PV industry body SAPVIA.

Spencer will moderate the forthcoming panel discussion at Solar Power Africa, which will include expert insights from Davin Chown, Genesis Eco Energy and Kaloyan Dimov, SolarMD. The three day conference takes place in Cape Town in February.

“Developments in storage technology are particularly pertinent to South Africa, where load-shedding is severely impacting both domestic and commercial operations. If we are serious about transitioning to renewables we need to look for energy storage solutions that meet our current needs and increased commercial use.

“As utility costs increase, it is vital that we in the solar PV sector are able to offer an attractive solution to traditional fuel sources. And while solar PV can compete on a least-cost, quickest-to-build option, the challenge of intermittent supply remains.

“Storage presents us with the opportunity to overcome the limitations of the grid, both from a capacity and availability perspective. And as the technology improves the opportunities to achieve benefits and gains are becoming more financially viable," says Spencer.

The panel discussion is part of Solar Power Africa, a 3-day conference for stakeholders across the solar PV and storage value chain.

Taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16-18 February 2022, the event will feature international and local experts sharing insights and expertise on how to capitalise on opportunities in the solar sector.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) allow renewable energy to be efficiently stored and supplied to the grid when required, enabling solar PV projects to provide power at both peak and non-peak times. This also allows investors and stakeholders to realise increased revenue income resulting from limited wastage while reducing costs for consumers.

With batteries having become more economically feasible in the past years, prices have fallen by almost 80% due to increased demand for the technology, unlocking new BESS applications.

A recent study by Fortune Business Insights foreceasts that the global battery energy storage market is set to reach $19.74 billion by 2027.

“Across Africa we are seeing increasing implementation of solar plus storage solutions. From off-grid applications to back-up power, end-user peak shaving to ​ delivering maximum self-sufficiency across operations, battery use is changing the dynamic and delivering.”

South Africa is already taking the lead as the 6th largest residential storage market with an additional 1.3GW of utility storage set to be contracted in 2022.

With Eskom’s World Bank funded BESS programme as well as the ESS-specific IPP round and the addition of 4 projects in the RMIPPPP it is clear that innovative storage solutions are required in order to meet national renewable energy targets and decarbonisation plans.

“The recent raising of the licensing exemption threshold for distributed generation systems from 1MW to 100MW offers investors and operators in the C&I sector the chance to reap significant dividends.

“Davin and Kaloyan have been at the forefront of developing storage solutions that are bespoke to the needs of the South African market. The discussion is sure to provide attendees with insights into how best to address the imbalance between electricity supply and demand caused by variable solar generation and maximise returns from this increasingly attractive revenue source for investors." says Spencer.

Frank Spencer is one of the speakers at Solar Power Africa,

ends/

Issued by HWB Communications Pty Ltd on behalf of SAPVIA.

• Organised by Messe Frankfurt, and in partnership with the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA),Solar Power Africa is a 3 day event where attendees will benefit from direct access to expert insights and solutions to a range of challenges, as well as key trends and developments in the renewable energy market.
• Messe Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organizers and employs more than 2,500 employees across 30 different locations globally. The South African office has an experienced staff complement of over 35 team members with established marketing, sales and operational capabilities.
• The event is presented in partnership with two of the largest solar power and related industry shows in the world - Solar Power Events (SPE), the premier organizer for energy events throughout North America and SNEC, the world’s largest PV trade show based in Shanghai, China.
• The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) is a not-for-profit industry association serving the collective interests of its 540+ members across the PV value-chain spanning technical service providers, installer, EPC companies, financiers, developers, utilities and IPP’s.