A number of feasibilities are currently being conducted, and Fortress has commenced with three BESS installations.
(and up to 100%) of electricity demand not met by on-site solar systems. “This is a critical step in reaching our 2030 decarbonisation target of reducing our Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon footprint by 45% compared to our 2018 baseline,” says Potgieter. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) “We see stronger business cases for BESS solutions following recent reductions in battery costs and tariff increases. These business cases remain sensitive to load profiles and in-force tariff structures. Battery systems are preferred for refinement of returns based on time-of-use tariffs, rather than for back-up power, for which generators are favoured,” explains Potgieter. A number of feasibilities are currently being conducted, and Fortress has commenced with three BESS installations. What’s next With much of the infrastructure now in place, Fortress is shifting focus from installation to optimisation: “It’s not just about how much solar we’ve installed,” Potgieter concludes. “It’s about how effectively we manage the systems we’ve built. We’re saving money, reducing risk, and improving our environmental footprint. That’s good for our tenants, our communities, and ultimately, our shareholders.”
AbaQulusi Plaza, Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal
204 Oxford, Illovo in Johannesburg
Venda Plaza, Thohoyandou in Limpopo
October 2025 | Issue 141 | Asset Magazine 55
54 Asset Magazine | Issue 141 | October 2025
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