Aconsortium comprising Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)-owned Mulilo and EDF has been selected as the preferred bidder for three battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in South Africa.

The projects, named Oasis Aggeneis, Oasis Mookodi and Oasis Nieuwehoop, will collectively provide 1.03 gigawatt-hours/257MW of storage capacity, offering a cost-effective solution to support the country’s power infrastructure.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has awarded the consortium five projects under South Africa’s inaugural Battery Energy Storage Procurement Programme.

CIP partner Robert Helms said: “Securing preferred bidder status for the majority of the procured capacity in South Africa’s first public battery storage tender together with EDF marks a significant step in the accelerated growth journey of Mulilo.

“We commend the South African Government’s strong commitment to the rapid buildout of battery energy storage, a key focus technology for Mulilo. With the announcement, we are proud for Mulilo to continue its positive contribution to the country’s energy security, socio-economic growth and green transition.”

The investment for these projects is estimated to exceed R7bn ($372m), with construction anticipated to begin in mid-2024.

Upon completion, the three facilities will supply electricity through 15-year power purchase agreements to South Africa.

“We remain committed playing our important part ensuring sustainable electricity supply needed for economic growth and the betterment in the lives of the 61 million people in our beautiful country.”