The government of South Africa is planning to procure 4.6 GW of battery storage and 5 GW of gas-fired power plants as the first allocations under the country’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025.

South Africa’s IRP sets a target of adding more than 105 GW of new generation capacity by 2039, including 25 GW of solar, as the country looks to gradually reduce its dependence on coal.

Initially prioritising the development of 9.6 GW of storage and gas-to-power plants responds to the electricity system’s immediate requirements for storage, flexibility and dispatchable supply, a statement published by the South African government explains.

The update adds that battery storage will be integral to mitigating increasing levels of curtailment, while gas-to-power plants will complement storage by providing dispatchable electricity when renewable output falls or demand rises.

It also specifies that storage systems must be located and operated where they can access surplus electricity and discharge without reproducing network constraint.

The government’s statement adds that storage system procurement will be aligned with the charging and discharge requirements of the system operator and supported by enforceable availability and performance obligations.

“This approach advances the seventh administration’s priorities by improving the use of available electricity, supporting dependable supply for industrial production and employment, and addressing avoidable costs that place pressure on electricity affordability” commented Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

The first determination under South Africa’s IRP 2025 makes no provision for new solar and wind capacity. The government says a subsequent determination will address these technologies, including hybrid projects coupled with energy storage and longer-term pumped storage development.

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