Energy Vault and Eskom Partner on 25MW Gravity Storage Project in South Africa
Event summary
- Energy Vault and Eskom signed a strategic agreement to deploy a 25MW gravity energy storage system (GESS) at Eskom’s Hendrina Power Station in South Africa.
- The initial project has a 100MWh capacity with scalability up to 4GW, targeting up to 4GWh of storage across the SADC region by 2035.
- Energy Vault’s EVx 2.0 GESS technology will be used, featuring advancements in software orchestration, mechanical operation, and material science for coal ash reuse.
- The partnership supports Eskom’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) initiative to reduce coal dependency and enhance grid reliability.
The big picture
This deal marks Energy Vault’s first major foray into Africa’s energy storage market, aligning with Eskom’s push to diversify its power mix away from coal. The partnership underscores the growing role of long-duration storage in stabilizing grids with high renewable penetration, particularly in regions like Southern Africa where coal remains dominant. The scalability of the project—up to 4GW—positions Energy Vault as a key player in the continent’s energy transition.
What we're watching
- Execution Risk
- Whether Energy Vault can deliver the EVx 2.0 technology at scale while meeting Eskom’s timeline and performance expectations.
- Regulatory Dynamics
- How South Africa’s energy policies and Eskom’s transition plans will impact the deployment and expansion of gravity storage systems.
- Market Expansion
- The pace at which Energy Vault can replicate this model across other SADC countries, given the region’s reliance on coal.
Related topics