Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Eskom’s Hex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Worcester, Western Cape, represents a significant step towards ending load shedding in South Africa, according to Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan. The minister shared these remarks at the system's launch at the Hex substation in the Breede Valley Municipality.
According South African Government News Agency, Minister Gordhan emphasized the importance of such projects in overcoming South Africa's load shedding challenges. The Hex BESS project, launched on Thursday, marks the first of its kind in Africa. Gordhan highlighted that expanding similar projects across the country could significantly accelerate the end of load shedding.
The BESS initiative is pivotal in supporting the Just Energy Transition (JET) program, aimed at promoting green, renewable energy alternatives. The growing adoption of renewable energy sources increases the demand for Battery Energy Storage Systems, with the Hex project leading Eskom's rollout in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Minister Gordhan stressed the broader economic benefits of these initiatives, including job creation and increased investment opportunities nationwide. He pointed out that such projects offer hope for a better future for South Africa's younger generations and showcase the country's capacity for innovation and delivering world-class solutions.
Focusing on national interest, Gordhan emphasized that the projects should benefit the broader population of 62 million, as per the recent Census, rather than a select few. The government's goal is to achieve energy security, maintaining a surplus akin to a savings account to cater to unexpected energy needs.
The Hex battery storage project, which cost R830 million, employed 255 residents from the greater Worcester area during its construction. The minister urged that the lessons and experiences from this project be applied to future endeavors across the remaining provinces.
Expressing gratitude to the project's funders, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the New Development Bank, Gordhan acknowledged that their concessional funding was crucial for the project's realization. He also thanked Hyosung Heavy Industries for supplying the batteries and Eskom for their innovative approach to energy solutions.