Envision Energy has secured a major contract to supply a 660 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) for the Naos 1 renewable energy project in South Africa. The agreement was signed with the SOLA Group, a leading renewable energy developer and funder, along with construction company WBHO. The project will be developed in the Free State province near Viljoenskroon and is expected to strengthen South Africa’s growing clean energy sector.
The Naos 1 project has achieved an important milestone by becoming the largest privately contracted hybrid renewable energy project to reach financial close in South Africa. The facility will combine a 300 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a 660 MWh battery energy storage system supplied by Envision Energy. The combination of large-scale solar generation and battery storage is expected to provide a reliable and stable supply of renewable electricity.
A key feature of the project is its use of power wheeling through Eskom’s national electricity grid. Instead of supplying electricity to a single customer or nearby facility, the renewable power generated at Naos 1 will be transmitted through the national grid to multiple commercial and industrial customers located across different parts of South Africa. This model allows businesses to purchase clean electricity without having to be located close to the solar plant, making renewable energy more accessible to a wider range of users.
Envision Energy will not only supply the battery storage system but will also be responsible for the overall system design, manufacturing, and long-term operational support. Under a 25-year service agreement with the SOLA Group, the company will manage and maintain the battery energy storage system throughout its operational life.
The project will also use Envision Energy’s artificial intelligence-based energy management platform. The AI-driven software will monitor electricity demand and determine the best times to store and discharge energy. This is expected to improve system efficiency, maximize battery performance, and ensure a dependable supply of electricity.
The Naos 1 project highlights the rapid expansion of South Africa’s private renewable energy market. By combining utility-scale solar power, advanced battery storage, and AI-based energy management, the project aims to deliver reliable clean electricity to businesses through the existing national grid. It also demonstrates how hybrid renewable energy projects can support the country’s transition away from fossil fuels while meeting the growing demand for sustainable and dependable power.
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