Energy storage systems

The document outlines the role of energy storage systems in improving the resilience and sustainability of South African municipal wastewater treatment works. It focuses on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries due to their market dominance and a 90% cost reduction since 2010. While energy storage does not reduce overall energy consumption, it provides backup power and enables higher renewable energy penetration. The factsheet compares three financial scenarios: stand-alone storage, storage replacing diesel generation, and storage paired with solar PV, noting that the latter two offer better payback periods and internal rates of return. It also details various financing mechanisms available to municipalities, such as grants, concessional loans, and energy performance contracts.

• Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the dominant energy storage choice for the South African backup sector because of their operational stability, faster charging times, and short-duration performance. The cost of these batteries has decreased by 90% since 2010.
• Energy storage systems do not lower the total energy consumption of a wastewater treatment works; instead, they are used to provide backup power or to facilitate the integration of other renewable energy technologies.
• Energy storage can reduce carbon emissions by offsetting grid power (118–207 kgCo2 per kW per annum) or by offsetting diesel generation (605–1058 kgCo2 per kW per annum).
• Municipalities can fund energy efficiency and storage projects through several mechanisms, including municipal budgets, government or donor grants (such as MIG, RBIG, and WSIG), concessional loans from funders like AFD and DBSA, commercial bank loans, and energy performance contracts via ESCos.

APA

GreenCape (n.d.). Energy storage systems. https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Factsheet-10_Energy-Storage-Systems.pdf

Chicago

GreenCape. Energy storage systems. n.d. https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Factsheet-10_Energy-Storage-Systems.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=GreenCape |title=Energy storage systems |url=https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Factsheet-10_Energy-Storage-Systems.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{greencapendenergy, author = {{GreenCape}}, title = {{Energy storage systems}}, institution = {GreenCape}, url = {https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Factsheet-10_Energy-Storage-Systems.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }