South Africa replaces energy storage charging piles

Will zero carbon charge be South Africa's first solar-powered charging station?

This week, at a ceremony in Wolmaransstad in the North West province, Zero Carbon Charge broke ground on its first 100% renewable energy charging station in what the company says will become South Africa’s first national network of 120 solar-powered charging facilities spaced out at 150km intervals.

How will solar charging stations impact rural areas?

The charging stations will incorporate solar PV and battery storage in a move to add capacity to the energy mix to support uptake of renewables, as well as reduce potential burdens on the grid. In the process, they will have a significant, sustained economic impact in rural areas.

When will zero carbon charge start in South Africa?

Image credit: ZCC “The first batch of super chargers is expected to arrive in South Africa before July which means that – pending regulatory approvals – we are on track to have our full network of 120 solar-powered charging facilities operational by September 2025,” said Zero Carbon Charge’s Co-founder and Director, Joubert Roux.

Should South Africa switch to a low-carbon energy system?

Today, large renewable energy battery systems are seen as the best future option for storing renewable power with South Africa’s state-owned electricity company, Eskom, beginning to set up battery storage. Several factors complicate South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Why is energy storage important in South Africa?

Experts say that widespread energy storage is vital to expanding the reach of renewables and speeding the transition to a carbon-free power grid - this is key to helping reduce South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels as it seeks to transition to clean energy.

Will zero carbon charge boost South Africa's rural economy?

Zero Carbon Charge’s total investment, worth R1.8bn, will boost South Africa’s rural economies by providing local jobs and an additional revenue stream for farmers.