Envision secures 1 GWh deal with EDF, South Africa’s largest battery energy storage order

Envision ESS, a subsidiary of China’s multinational Envision Group, has signed a supply contract with France’s EDF Group to deliver battery energy storage systems (BESS) for three projects in South Africa. The projects, with a combined capacity of 257MW/1028MWh, mark the first GWh-scale storage order in South Africa, positioning Envision as a key player in the region’s energy transition.

The projects—Oasis Aggeneis, Oasis Mookodi, and Oasis Nieuwehoop—are located in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province and represent three of the five winning bids in the country’s inaugural Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP). EDF spearheaded the Oasis consortium, which secured financing on November 20, 2024. Construction is set to commence shortly, with the sites expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

Envision will supply both AC and DC storage equipment, including SCADA and energy management systems (EMS). The DC systems will feature Envision’s standardized 20-foot, 5MWh battery containers equipped with 315Ah cells. Envision will also provide full lifecycle operation and maintenance (O&M) services to ensure optimal system performance.

Kane Xu, Senior Vice President and International Product Line President at Envision Energy, stated: “Battery energy storage is the cornerstone of a sustainable energy system. We are delighted to contribute our advanced technology to this milestone project in South Africa. Once operational, these systems will alleviate South Africa’s frequent grid load management challenges, enhance grid stability, reduce reliance on coal-fired power plants, and support the country’s transition to a sustainable energy future.”

EDF Renewable Energy Project Director Gregoire de Montgolfier commented: “We look forward to working with Envision Energy on this project. They were selected for their expertise in storage products and their proven ability to deliver reliable, effective systems.”

EDF is one of the world’s largest electricity companies and a leading nuclear energy operator. Envision ESS has been consistently ranked as a Tier 1 energy storage provider by Bloomberg NEF, achieving fifth place globally in shipment volumes during the first half of 2024.