Repurposed after use in electric vehicles, 2nd LiFe EV batteries are a way forward for grid-scale energy storage in South Africa.

This battery type can serve as a cost-effective battery energy storage system. It’s especially ideal for solar PV applications.

The concept of 2nd LiFe battery power at grid scale

Globally, a number of companies already specialise in repurposing EV batteries for grid-scale energy storage. For example, Smartville in the United States has been doing this since 2021.

Here in South Africa, REVOV supplies 2nd LiFe batteries to installers and distributors.

EV batteries powering 25 MWh grid-scale storage in California

In California, 1,300 batteries from Honda and Nissan EVs are now being used in a fully operational grid-scale storage system.

The 25 MWh system – the largest of its kind in the world – is connected to a solar farm, which charges the batteries. The system sells electricity to the state’s power grid throughout the day.

BTU, the facility’s owner, says because the EV batteries can be used in their original pack casings, they avoid repurposing costs. This significantly reduces the levelised cost of storage (LCOS) compared to using new batteries.

Large-scale battery systems in South Africa

A University of Johannesburg study reviewed battery energy storage systems for photovoltaic (PV) applications in South Africa.

It recommends the use of lithium-ion batteries as superior, both technically and economically, to lead-acid batteries.

“Lithium-ion batteries are ascertained to be lucrative in both technical and economic countenances,” the review states.

Development of large-scale battery storage systems for solar power has been slow in South Africa, but projects – such as the following – are underway.

Matjhabeng Solar Power Plant

In the Free State, the Matjhabeng 400 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant with 80 MW (320 MWh) battery energy storage system is predicted to meet the energy needs of the Matjhabeng municipality.

It will feed electricity into Eskom’s existing distribution network.

The project is proposed to be developed in two phases, north and south of the town of Odendaalsrus.

Planned battery storage projects in the Western Cape

Eskom has identified 24 sites in the Western Cape for planned energy storage projects with a capacity of roughly 148.5 MW.

Limpopo farm project

A farm in Lephalale, Limpopo, is using 156 lithium-ion solar batteries to free it entirely from the national grid.

The system, housed in a shipping container, stores 2,200 kWh of solar energy annually.

MIT confirms battery reuse systems could be profitable

A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) confirms that repurposing EV batteries for grid-scale energy storage can be profitable, for both EV companies and grid-scale solar operators.

This assumes that the 2nd LiFe batteries meet certain criteria.

For example, they must have a minimum of 80% of their original capacity remaining and cost 60% or less than their original price.

The case for EV batteries for grid-scale solar projects in South Africa

With South Africans experiencing ever more hours of load shedding, the potential benefits are clear.

Using EV batteries for grid-scale solar projects could help decentralise electricity generation.

By making energy storage more cost-effective, it could also improve the feasibility of sustainable energy – especially solar energy.

Contributing to African energy solutions

Not just in South Africa but across the continent, grid-scale renewable energy storage could change Africa’s energy profile for the better.

As this article notes, “With geothermal, hydro and wind all coupled with battery storage, Africa is in the best position to decarbonise its grid fully…”

With gradually increasing demand for electric vehicles in African markets, more EV batteries will become available. Kenya, for example, has set a target, aiming for 5% of all imported cars to be electric by 2025.

In Utility Dive, Emily Goldfield says, “Used EV batteries will help to increase the availability and affordability of energy storage while ensuring the sustainability and circularity of the clean energy economy.”

What REVOV offers: second-life lithium batteries with LiFePO4 chemistry

At REVOV, we offer 2nd LiFe lithium batteries with LiFePO4 chemistry, including batteries suitable for grid-scale energy storage in South Africa.

Please note that we don’t supply lithium-ion batteries directly to the public (although we can recommend an installer in your area). Contact us for more information or to discuss your energy storage needs.

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