World Bank Battery Energy Storage Workshop for Southern Africa

Battery energy storage (BES) technology provides job and development opportunities in mining, industry, energy and transport. In the global economic recovery context, the challenge will be to provide the right incentives to scale up the battery storage value chain in Southern Africa.
The workshop highlighted the status and potential for each segment of the BES value chain in South Africa and the Southern Africa region, and the induced job opportunities arising.
This overview was provided by Customized Energy Solutions (CES) and partners, the consulting group conducting the World Bank funded study on the Battery Energy Storage Value Chain in South Africa.
From the individual consultations undertaken by CES and from the outcomes of this workshop, key findings and recommendations will be provided to inform decisions for the acceleration of the Southern Africa battery industry and markets.
Mintek, the focal point designated by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) for this study, provided introductory remarks on the importance of linking research, policy and private sector development in battery storage, and more broadly in the climate smart mining sphere.
As the work presented will also benefit various public sector entities interested and involved in this theme, the topics discussed went beyond the pure technical aspects. Economics, market strategies, regional trade enhancement and jobs/skills were amongst the areas of discussion. Inputs from private investors and energy associations were also key for this stakeholder consultation event.