Energy management + energy efficiency
Last year, Spain and Portugal lost up to 60% of their electrical power within seconds. The fallout exposed a misalignment between traditional grid infrastructure and the future of energy. To avoid a similar grid crisis in South Africa, battery energy storage systems are critical for the energy transition. Battery energy storage systems in the energy transition
Renewables in SA Across public and private sectors, South Africa’s investment in renewable energy sources and the outcomes have been remarkable. By the end of last year, South Africa’s installed solar PV
Stability through battery storage Energy storage is a cornerstone in helping stabilise and upgrade grids, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming important facilitators in this field. As large battery systems they ‘plug into’ local grids, including those of public utilities, large business premises and community substations. They store energy to be used later, such as during peak periods when grid power becomes pricier, or to inject power when there is insufficient sunshine or wind to drive renewable power plants. “BESS infrastructure helps take pressure off grids, giving them room to adjust and upgrade without disrupting energy delivery to communities and businesses. BESS help shave the peaks and reduce the overall load on the grid. These systems enable companies to perform energy stacking: to generate and store energy when that available through the utility grids is cheapest, to use generated energy on tap, and wheel energy into the grid,” says Gurie. The range of BESS solutions serves small-scale to utility-scale sites and they are used in industries including mining, agriculture, light and heavy industrial installations as well as commercial installations. They enable large businesses, commercial and industrial parks, and entire communities to store and access power reliably, without placing stress on the national grid. But BESS is not only about storage. It is a pathway to modern energy technologies. Generally, BESS solutions incorporate Industry 4.0 technologies that modernise energy operations. Leading BESS vendors such as WEG also offer digital power management systems to increase control, visibility, and automation of energy systems. Stabilising the future energy supply The abundance of renewable energy in South Africa is helping overcome the country’s energy shortages. But that abundance will be wasted and even damaging if it cannot be stored and managed. Energy infrastructure and operations need to be modernised and upgraded. This is where BESS will play a fundamental role, says Gurie. “We can use batteries to establish the foundation of our modern energy system. We are building the capacity to create cheap and abundant energy. Now, we must invest in making sure that capacity always serves our needs. BESS is a central part of that investment.” Reference: [1] https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/05/07/blaming-renewables-for-spains- blackout-is-like-faulting-the-thermometer-for-the-fever/
capacity had surpassed 10 GW, according to the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). Looking back, the shift to renewable energy seems almost inevitable, says Pervin Gurie, Director, Digital & Systems Division at WEG Africa. “Sunlight is a widely available natural resource for South Africa. Although it took an energy crisis to develop a significant energy industry around that resource,
Pervin Gurie. WEG Africa.
we’re already enjoying major advantages, like helping to overcome load shedding, improving energy independence, and supporting economic growth.” However, as the rollout of renewable energy developments continues, there is now a further concern that needs attention, Gurie adds. “With capacity rising, there are more questions about access to power reserves and grid stability.” Grid stability and access When parts of Spain and Portugal experienced extensive power outages in late April 2025, the causes of the blackouts were fiercely debated – and the debate continues. But the general view is that the grid produced too much power. Some critics blamed renewables for creating the instability in the grid. Other experts dismissed those claims and noted that the event underscored how traditional grid designs are no longer keeping up with energy innovations. Xavier Daval, Chair of the Solar Commission at the French Renewable Energy Association, wrote in PV Magazine [1] that the issue arose as a result of grid codes causing inverters to disconnect due to frequency changes in the grid. Saying that grids need to be redesigned, he added that “blaming renewables for Spain’s blackout is like faulting the thermometer for the fever.” The above situation confirms that grids need to catch up with energy innovation, says Gurie. “An abundance of energy can create issues, but it’s a good problem to have. The events in Spain and Portugal reveal the importance of balancing generation with demand. It’s a reminder that the way we operate energy distribution needs to evolve. This shift in perspective has made battery energy storage systems more topical.”
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18 Electricity + Control APRIL 2026
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