Testbed investment in battery storage technology

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The CSIR’s newly established indoor energy storage testbed facility will support the continued roll-out of battery technology developments in the South African market. Its establishment forms part of a collaboration agreement between the CSIR and VITO (the Flemish Institute for Technological Research), within the framework of the World Bank Energy Storage Partnership initiative.

“The facility will provide much-needed testing for the country. It will be used as a service for technology developers or importers who would like to characterise their technologies for market entry. Additionally, it is a stepping stone towards addressing the intermittency challenge of renewable energy,” says Renesh Thakoordeen, project leader: Energy Storage Testbed, CSIR.

In addition to being equipped with a high-precision system for battery module and pack tests, the facility also features a new-generation temperature chamber to provide data on the operating behaviour of batteries used in harsh climates.

Carlo Mol, project manager: Energy Technology, VITO, says the energy storage testbed is the first step towards a broader cooperation between the CSIR and VITO. This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding in April 2022 to extend their research to cover a broad range of sustainable technologies.