South Africas commercial and industrial C I energy users are moving beyond diesel backup towards hybrid systems that blend solar photovoltaic PV, battery storage and digital controls a shift aimed at improving resilience and reducing dependence on the national grid.
This transition from backup power to grid-interactive hybrid systems was a central theme at the C I Energy Storage Summit in Johannesburg from November 4-5 when large power users, financiers and technology suppliers discussed strategies for achieving operational independence amid grid instability and rising tariffs.
Energy Intensive Users Group Chairperson Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi said the C I sector now represents a major share of renewable and hybrid projects in development. We are convening at a crucial time, he noted. There are over 220 MW of C I projects currently in the pipeline about half include storage integration.