Will batteries remain the stepchild of Africa’s green economy?

A cynic might say that power storage is the great green hope of Africa – and always will be.

The hope: Storing electricity for use at the right moment could be a game-changer. Ubiquitous battery banks could fix perpetual problems on the continent:

• Batteries can smooth out low, varying and failing electricity generation. 

• They also compensate for a lack of grid connections in remote areas.

• And unlike hydro storage, batteries offer electricity in a readily usable state.

But, but: Aspects of technology and economics have so far refused to play along.

• Africa has a fraction of 1% of the world’s battery capacity.

• Lithium-ion batteries are costly and have a relatively short storage duration.

• Unclear regulations and competition from richer markets put off global providers. 

The news: Three major countries in Africa this month announced mammoth battery projects.

• In South Africa, Hyosung Heavy Industries and Pinggao Group completed a 200MW Hex Battery Storage.

• Senegal is considering construction of a 40MW system.

• Kenya announced plans for a battery storage system funded by the World Bank.

Turning point: Is this one? There are reasons to believe it could be:

• Lithium-ion battery costs have decreased by 85% since 2010.

• Innovators are exploring alternative materials for energy storage (vanadium, iron, bromine and sodium) to boost affordability and longevity.

The technology: When nations speak of batteries they don’t mean the kind you buy in a store. They mean a BESS, or Battery Energy Storage System, the size of a factory.

• It uses lithium-ion technology that’s far more advanced than household batteries.

• It can balance grid loads, ensuring reliable power supply during peak hours.

The challenges: Fundamental hurdles to large-scale battery adoption have changed little. 

• Lithium-ion batteries at grid-scale remain costly despite falling prices.

• Battery volatility poses fire risks, impacting user safety.

• Some lithium mining can undermine water resources and human rights.

The future: The global grid-scale battery sector aims for nearly 400 GWh annually by 2030, or nearly ten times the current 43 GWh. 

• Molten salt thermal storage tech is set to launch by 2025, extending storage duration. 

• Innovation will be key to achieving Africa’s hopes for the humble battery.