RES4Africa’s Role in the BIG LEAP Project

21May

RES4Africa’s Role in the BIG LEAP Project

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RES4Africa is a crucial contributor to the BIG LEAP project. As a Foundation, they are deeply committed to analyzing and promoting the energy transition and sustainable electrification in Africa. RES4Africa analyzes business cases and economic models for Second Life Battery Energy Storage Systems (SL-BESS) and will produce two comprehensive studies to guide businesses, developers, and EU policymakers.

Can you tell us more about RES4Africa’s role in the BIG LEAP project?

RES4Africa is a crucial contributor to the Horizon Europe BIG LEAP project. As a Foundation, we are deeply committed to analyzing and promoting the energy transition and sustainable electrification in Africa. Under Task 5.3, our leadership role involves examining business cases and economic models for Second Life Battery Energy Storage Systems (SL-BESS). We will deliver two comprehensive studies—one for businesses and developers, and another for EU policymakers. These reports aim to foster an enabling framework for SL-BESS technologies, drawing on the extensive experience of RES4Africa and our consortium partners. To propose a scalable business case for SL-BESS, our study will explore the benefits and weaknesses of various battery configurations, including stacking battery packs and utilizing refurbished batteries and modules made from used cells. Furthermore, we will consider societal, regulatory, institutional, and stakeholder engagement across different regions, spanning Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

With regards to our support to the consortium, on one hand we participate in Task 5.2, which focuses on life cycle analysis of innovations. This involves identifying potential gains and negative aspects for the European battery ecosystem. On the other hand, under Task 1.3, RES4Africa will evaluate performance metrics and compare Development, Bankability, and Performance statements across different regions (Europe, Africa, Asia).

Beyond analysis, we actively engage in communication, dissemination, exploitation, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring broad awareness and understanding of the project’s impact. In particular, RES4Africa is the lead partner for Task 8.3, titled Exploitation Plan and Stakeholders’ Engagement, which is aimed at identifying the project’s Key Exploitable Results (KERs) and creating a Community of Practices (CoP) with the objective of sharing knowledge and promoting its practical implementation. At a later stage of the Task, RES4Africa will support, together with MASEN, the CoP in the African regions, including through the organization of an in-person meeting in Morocco as part of the stakeholder engagement activity.

Such efforts are backed by our network covering a variety of African countries and our longstanding experience in stakeholder engagement and outreach activities on the continent. Through our contributions, we are not only advancing technological innovation but also fostering a conducive environment for sustainable energy solutions and bolstering Europe’s competitiveness in the global battery market.

The emphasis on international collaboration seems crucial. How does RES4Africa’s involvement contribute to BIG LEAP’s success?

With our extensive international partnerships spanning across Africa and Europe, our organization is uniquely positioned to offer valuable contributions to the BIG LEAP project.

Over the last ten years, the Foundation has worked with over 20 countries across three regions in the continent. This effort has led to the formation of a network comprising over 30 global members, encompassing the entire Renewable Energy (RE) value chain with stakeholders from the private sector, public sector, and International Development Finance Institutions (IDFs). These achievements have been made possible through strategic partnerships that span countries, regions, and various activities covering the Foundation’s essential workstreams: advocacy, analysis, and capacity building.

Our robust network encompasses the entire Renewable Energy (RE) value chain, engaging with stakeholders from the private sector, public sector, and International Development Finance Institutions (IDFs). Leveraging our longstanding experience and deep-rooted connections, we bring solid expertise in stakeholder engagement, outreach activities, and partnership development. Our multifaceted approach ensures comprehensive coverage and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle, facilitating knowledge exchange, innovation diffusion, and market adoption. By harnessing the collective strengths of our diverse network, we are committed to driving forward the objectives of the BIG LEAP project and catalyzing positive impacts on both the European and African energy landscapes.

Can you elaborate on RES4Africa’s expertise in Africa’s energy transition, particularly regarding RES and BESS adoption?

Solutions in Tunisia. This study analyzes the suitability of BESS for maintaining reliability and flexibility in Tunisian power systems, considering national development, energy strategy, policy priorities, and infrastructure plans. We explored the market potential for BESS, integration into the power grid, and remuneration options for expanding renewable potential (stand-alone or joint development with RE plants).

In the Southern African region, RES4Africa also released a Regulatory Assessment of Battery Energy Storage Systems in South Africa. By benchmarking against international standards (including the United Kingdom, California, and Chile), we provide well-informed policy and regulatory recommendations to accelerate BESS deployment as a critical component of South Africa’s energy mix. Our assessment covers market design, use cases, procurement models, ownership structures, and remuneration strategies.

In conclusion, leveraging our deep understanding of Africa’s diverse energy landscape and our extensive network of partnerships with key stakeholders in Europe, we are actively engaged in shaping policies, fostering investments, and implementing projects that accelerate the integration of RES and BESS technologies.

RES4AFRICA Team

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