Is Bess a viable power system for Africa?

The African Continental Power System Masterplan (CMP) study into BESS says that considering Africa’s rapidly growing power requirements and the already planned contributions from variable renewable energy (VRE), these commitments do not fully reflect the potential for BESS on the continent.

Is Bess an emerging technology?

Because of its relatively recent inclusion in power systems, most international electricity markets consider BESS an emerging technology, despite some technologies already being commercially established and successful. Experience in the African context is even more limited with very few grid-scale BESS projects that are operational.

Why do we need a Bess battery storage system?

BESS are of particular interest as they offer dispatchable storage with sizing and locational flexibility i.e. allowing deployment at varying scales in proximity to the location where grid flexibility is needed. This focus on BESS is also cognisant of the World Bank Group’s USD1 billion global battery storage programme, announced in 2018.

What makes a Bess a good system?

Scalability: Standardized protocols like Modbus make it easier to integrate additional components or expand the system. The synergy between the PCS and EMS, facilitated by RS485 and Modbus communication, is the backbone of an efficient BESS.

Is Bess a safe alternative to traditional grid reinforcement?

Lack of a legally binding and technology neutral definition for energy storage in regulations that help legitimize the use of BESS as an alternative to traditional grid reinforcement projects. Likewise, standards often require updating to ensure BESS installations adhere to safety, performance, and reliability requirements.

How big is Bess in Africa compared to global projections?

Confirmed development of BESS across the continent is still small compared to global projections, less than 0.5% of the global BESS capacity of 358GW by 2030. Considering Africa’s rapidly growing power requirements and the already planned contributions from VRE, these commitments do not fully reflect the potential for BESS on the continent.