Load shedding is a serious problem in South Africa, where it has become a regular occurrence in recent years. Referring to the deliberate rotation of blackouts across different regions of the country, load shedding prevents the complete collapse of the electrical grid. The policy and practice is the unfortunate consequence of aging and poorly maintained power plants (mostly coal-fired), as well as a fundamental shortage of power generation capacity. Eskom, the state-owned electricity utility, has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement in recent years.
Fortunately there are upcoming changes to the way the grid is maintained, as well as a suite of companies addressing the shortage of solar PV and battery capacity. Manufacturer Bluevolt is creating lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and power systems in South Africa, based out of a facility in Johannesburg.
The Bluevolt R-Type UPS has power output of 1,000W and energy storage 2.8kWh. Meanwhile the Bluevolt P1 UPS can power 1,000W, energy storage 1.2kWh
Implementation
They've become involved in micro-grid assembles, including a project in Zambia. Bluevolt are also the battery supplier for the first electric bus fleet in South Africa
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