From Utility-Scale Solar to Advanced Energy Storage: ACES Renewables Expands Africa's Clean Energy Portfolio

As Africa's energy landscape continues to evolve, ACES Renewables is strengthening its position through projects that address both large-scale electricity generation and energy resilience for industry. From the Ravenna Solar Project in Gauteng to the commercial operation of its largest rooftop battery energy storage system, the company is demonstrating its ability to deliver renewable energy solutions across multiple sectors and technologies.

These milestones reflect ACES Renewables' commitment to developing bankable projects that support economic growth, improve energy security, and contribute to a lower-carbon future.

Advancing the Ravenna Solar Project

Located in Benoni within the City of Ekurhuleni, the Ravenna Solar Project is a utility-scale independent power project designed to deliver 11.7 MWp of solar generation with a 10 MW export capacity. The project forms part of ACES Renewables' growing South African development pipeline and represents another important step in expanding independent power generation across the country.

The project has secured an offtaker for its full generation capacity, providing a strong commercial foundation as it progresses towards financial close. Once the Power Purchase Agreement is finalised, the project will move into financial close due diligence before construction begins, with commercial operation targeted for March 2027.

Reaching this stage is significant because it demonstrates the commercial viability of the project and strengthens ACES Renewables' position within South Africa's Independent Power Producer market. It also reflects the company's ability to develop projects that attract long-term investment while supporting the country's transition to cleaner sources of electricity.

The Ravenna project forms part of a broader phased development strategy, creating opportunities for future expansion while contributing additional renewable generation capacity to the national energy mix. By increasing clean electricity supply and reducing carbon emissions, projects such as Ravenna help support South Africa's long-term energy requirements and broader Just Energy Transition objectives.

Delivering ACES Renewables' Largest Rooftop BESS Installation

While Ravenna represents the future of utility-scale renewable energy, ACES Renewables has also reached an important operational milestone within the commercial and industrial sector.

On 31 July 2026, the company's largest rooftop Battery Energy Storage System officially reached Commercial Operation Date at Allied Steelrode's facility in Alberton.

The hybrid system combines a 480 kWp rooftop solar PV installation with a 3 MWh Freedom Won battery energy storage system, making it the largest rooftop battery capacity that ACES Renewables has delivered to date. Construction began in May 2026 and was completed within three months.

Designed specifically for the steel manufacturing industry, the system is expected to supply approximately 60% of the site's annual electricity consumption while significantly improving energy reliability and operational efficiency.

The installation enables Allied Steelrode to consume more of its own solar generation throughout the day while storing surplus energy for later use. During grid outages, the battery system provides a seamless transition to backup power, allowing operations to continue without interruption. The system also supports peak shaving by discharging stored energy during periods of high electricity tariffs, helping reduce demand charges and improve long-term cost management.

By reducing dependence on the municipal grid and mitigating the impact of load shedding and voltage fluctuations, the project strengthens business continuity while providing greater energy independence.

Engineering Innovation That Supports Long-Term Growth

The Allied Steelrode project demonstrates ACES Renewables' expertise in delivering complex hybrid energy systems for commercial and industrial clients.

The installation incorporates high-density Lithium Iron Phosphate battery technology, selected for its long service life, high thermal stability, and reliable performance. Custom-engineered lightweight rooftop mounting structures were developed to safely accommodate the battery and inverter infrastructure while meeting structural requirements.

The project also required careful attention to fire safety and operational continuity. Dedicated fire barriers and specialised suppression systems were integrated into the rooftop installation, while sophisticated grid synchronisation technology enables uninterrupted power transfer whenever grid interruptions occur.

Beyond the technical achievement, the environmental benefits are equally significant. The system is expected to generate approximately 773 MWh of clean electricity each year, avoiding around 780 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually while saving an estimated 385 tonnes of coal that would otherwise have been used for thermal power generation. This environmental impact is equivalent to the carbon captured by approximately 13,000 tree seedlings grown over ten years.

For ACES Renewables, the project establishes a scalable model that can be replicated across medium and large industrial facilities throughout sub-Saharan Africa. By combining feasibility studies, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and long-term asset management, the company continues to demonstrate its ability to deliver integrated renewable energy solutions that meet the evolving needs of African businesses.

Building the Future of Renewable Energy

The Ravenna Solar Project and the Allied Steelrode battery storage installation showcase two complementary aspects of ACES Renewables' growth strategy.

Utility-scale developments such as Ravenna strengthen national electricity supply through large renewable generation projects, while advanced commercial and industrial systems help businesses improve resilience, reduce operating costs, and maximise the value of on-site renewable energy.

Together, these projects demonstrate how ACES Renewables is building a diverse portfolio of renewable energy solutions across Africa. By investing in both large-scale infrastructure and innovative energy storage technologies, the company continues to create practical, bankable solutions that support economic development while accelerating the continent's transition to a cleaner and more reliable energy future.

ACES Renewables is a premier provider of renewable energy solutions across Africa. With over 15 years of experience, we are driving the continent’s energy transition through innovative and sustainable clean energy solutions.

Our expertise spans end-to-end project execution, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), energy optimisation, and advanced storage solutions. With a proven track record and strong local partnerships, ACES Renewables delivers scalable projects that address Africa’s growing energy needs while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.

By consistently demonstrating the success and impact of our projects, ACES Renewables is attracting forward-thinking investors eager to participate in Africa’s energy future, creating jobs, uplifting the local communities, improving health and cleaning the environment. Our strategic vision and commitment to excellence position us as a trusted partner for those seeking to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous continent.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions about ACES Renewables Ravenna PPA & Rooftop projects

1. What is the Ravenna Solar Project?

The Ravenna Solar Project is a utility-scale solar power development by ACES Renewables located in Benoni, within the City of Ekurhuleni, South Africa. The project has a planned capacity of 11.7 MWp with a 10 MW export capacity and is being developed to supply clean electricity through a long-term power purchase agreement. It forms part of ACES Renewables' growing portfolio of Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects.

2. Why is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) important for a solar project?

A Power Purchase Agreement provides long-term certainty that the electricity generated by a renewable energy project will be purchased by an agreed offtaker. This makes the project financially bankable, supports investment decisions, and enables the project to progress towards financial close and construction.

3. What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) stores electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as solar PV so it can be used when needed. Battery storage improves energy reliability, provides backup power during outages, supports peak demand management, and helps businesses maximise the value of their renewable energy systems.

4. What makes the Allied Steelrode project significant?

The Allied Steelrode project is ACES Renewables' largest rooftop battery energy storage installation to date. The hybrid system combines a 480 kWp rooftop solar PV installation with a 3 MWh Freedom Won battery system, supplying approximately 60% of the site's annual electricity demand while improving energy resilience and reducing operating costs.

5. How does battery storage benefit industrial businesses?

Battery storage enables industrial facilities to reduce electricity costs by storing excess solar energy for later use, minimise reliance on the grid, provide seamless backup power during outages, reduce peak demand charges, and improve overall operational resilience.

6. How much environmental impact does the Allied Steelrode BESS project deliver?

The system is expected to generate approximately 773 MWh of renewable electricity each year, avoid around 780 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, and save an estimated 385 tonnes of coal from conventional power generation. Its carbon reduction is comparable to the carbon captured by approximately 13,000 tree seedlings grown over ten years.

7. How do utility-scale solar projects support South Africa's energy transition?

Utility-scale solar projects increase the supply of renewable electricity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, and support South Africa's transition to a lower-carbon economy. They also contribute to long-term grid capacity and provide clean power for municipalities, businesses, and industrial users.

8. How is ACES Renewables supporting renewable energy across Africa?

ACES Renewables develops and delivers renewable energy projects across Africa, including utility-scale solar, rooftop solar, battery energy storage systems, hydroelectric projects, and hybrid energy solutions. By combining technical expertise with long-term project development, the company helps governments, municipalities, and businesses improve energy security while supporting sustainable economic growth.

‍