Exploring the feasibility of pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) using seawater in South Africa 

Partners: Africa New Energies Limited

Country: South Africa

Technology: Energy storage, including batteries and mechanical storage

Stage: Early

Stage: 9

South Africa’s government has committed to transforming the Energy Sector. A key part of this goal is centered around Renewable Energy investment and a move away from coal, with a target of 17800 MW of electricity to be derived from renewables by 2030. However, for this to be achieved it needs to be accompanied by an effective means of energy storage. 

UK-based Africa New Energies (ANE) Limited, aims to address this current barrier through the initial development of a 11 GWh pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) using seawater as the storage medium, with the potential to be scaled further, seek to overcome legacy challenges to offer a solution that can increase and further demonstrate the viability of seawater-PHES globally.

Once operational from 2025, the proposed solution will deliver significant socio-economic and environmental impacts across South Africa.