Renewable energy + industrial sustainability
Looking at the energy sector in 2026 and beyond, Nigel Sun, Head of Sungrow Sub-Saharan Africa, says for mines, manufacturing plants and other industrial sites, several factors are making battery energy storage systems (BESS) essential for them to remain competitive, secure reliable power and maximise profits. Battery energy storage takes centre stage
T his reflects a fundamental market shi. As renewable energy proliferates globally, BESS has become the key technology that transforms intermittent solar and wind into reliable business power. For commercial enterprises, this means BESS delivers triple value: it ensures operational continuity despite grid instability, reduces energy costs through strategic storage and deployment, and has the potential to generate additional revenue through selling excess power during peak pricing periods. Sun’s view is that companies delaying adoption concede these advantages to competitors. The foundation for this transformation was laid in 2025, a watershed year for renewable energy and grid infrastructure reform. Global momentum accelerated as grid modernisation initiatives gained traction, regulatory frameworks evolved to accommodate distributed energy resources and financing mechanisms matured to support large-scale deployments. This convergence of influencing factors created the conditions for rapid BESS adoption. In 2026 businesses inherit this momentum, benefiting from proven technologies, established supply chains and clear implementation pathways. Sun says, “Businesses that strategically deploy BESS in 2026 will be managing their energy costs and securing competitive advantages through enhanced reliability, operational flexibility and revenue optimisation.” Key trends defining BESS adoption in 2026 At its first South African C&I Summit in November last year, Sungrow brought together some 200 industry leaders to share with them the innovations reshaping business energy strategy. Four trends were presented as particularly critical for business decision-making. Modular scalability eliminates over-investment AC-coupled solutions now provide scalable capacity from 257 kWh to 514 kWh, allowing businesses to expand as needed without wasteful initial investment. These systems integrate with existing solar installations, delivering high round-trip e iciency and supporting single-phase unbalanced loads without requiring isolation transformers. This translates into lower installation costs and faster deployment timelines. These are critical factors for finance directors evaluating capital allocation. Long-duration storage transforms operational independence DC-coupled solutions now enable multi-hour or multi-day independent operation, positioning BESS as a real grid alternative, more than only backup. These systems support multiple layout options and allow for greater solar capacity to achieve higher energy yield. The modular designs o er
Nigel Sun, Sungrow, Sub-Saharan Africa.
extended-duration storage that can be tailored to evolving business needs, whether a manufacturing plant requires continuous overnight operation or a retail centre needs weekend coverage during maintenance periods. AI integration supports profitability Artificial Intelligence (AI) is extending its reach into BESS, making it smarter and potentially enabling increased profitability. AI in BESS can predict failures, optimise operations based on pricing and demand, and, where practical, it can automatically sell excess energy during peak periods to gain additional revenue. Advanced thermal management reduces auxiliary power consumption, directly improving operational margins. Factory pre-commissioning speeds up installation and system readiness, allowing businesses to achieve earlier returns on their energy investment. Safety innovations address risk concerns Modern systems feature multi-layer protection covering prevention, detection, suppression and isolation. Patented pressure-relief structures enhance safety and advanced thermal runaway detection systems provide early warnings. Innovations like these address previous concerns around lithium-ion batteries and ensure stable performance under various operating conditions, meeting increasingly stringent insurance and regulatory requirements. A fundamental market shift Global trends support swi action. Investments in renewable energy continue to increase, and this surge in investment
18 Electricity + Control MARCH 2026
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