CSIR’s Energy Storage Testbed

On 15 May 2023, representatives of Flux50 were hosted by the CSIR Energy Research Centre team at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre. The visit was facilitated through the existing relationship between CSIR and VITO (Flemish research organisation), which saw the establishment of the CSIR’s Energy Storage Testbed (Video). Flux50 is the membership organisation that helps Flanders gain international recognition as a smart energy region.

The Flux50 delegation included Ariane Decramer, lead from Flux50; Mia van Deale, representing MindOn; Chris Proost, representing OTN Systems; Luc Fabry, representing Flanders Investment and Trade; and Sandro Lacovella, representing Thermovault.

The head of the CSIR Energy Research Centre, Dr Thabo Hlalele, led the discussion with the Flux50 members. The topics centred around areas of collaboration and energy. Several areas were identified and separate engagements for further collaboration were established, most notably on the thermal storage side. There were also discussions around energy trading.

Dr Hlalele further gave a comprehensive presentation about the CSIR and the Energy Research Centre, which provides support through expertise and essential research to address South Africa’s growing energy needs, to the delegation. “The Energy Research Centre aims to be the first point of contact for South African decision-makers on issues relating to energy transition, business and energy access,” he said. He mentioned that energy transition needs to be just and that it requires the development of new industries and business models; new jobs in gas, storage and renewables; a net increase in jobs and the industrialisation of modern technologies.

Ariane Decramer then introduced Flux50 and gave the history and success of the organisation. Thereafter, each member of Flux50 presented on their company and background in hopes of identifying areas of collaboration.

Business development manager Patrick Sophaza presented Malitech Engineering’s business development and battery energy storage system. “We are in the process of establishing a LiFeP0₄ battery pack assembly plant, so that we can stop importing fully completed units and we will develop our own proprietary battery management system with support from our technology partners, the CSIR and independent Flemish research organisation (VITO),” he said. The visit concluded with a tour of the Photovoltaic Lab, Electrochemical Energy Technologies’ Small Battery Lab, and the Energy Storage Testbed.