June 5, 2025: Renewables developer Scatec has been named preferred bidder to build a 123MW/492MWh grid-balancing BESS facility in South Africa.
Estimated total capex for the Haru BESS, in Free State Province, is ZAR 2.2 billion ($120 million), the lion’s share of which will cover Scatec’s engineering, procurement and construction contracts.
The award, announced by Scatec on May 30, was made by South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy under the country’s power producer procurement program.
Norway-based Scatec will receive payments under a 15-year agreement for making the storage capacity available for the National Transmission Company of South Africa.
The project will be financed by 90% non-recourse project debt and the remaining by equity from the owners.
Scatec will own 50.01% of the equity in the project with Stanlib’s Greenstreet and Redstreet Funds owning 44.99% and a Community Trust holding 5%.
Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog said the firm would draw on its experience from recent hybrid solar and BESS projects, including the ongoing construction of the Mogobe BESS in the Northern Cape.
The South African government said the commercial close of the project is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
