Renewable energy storage initiatives expand in Antigua and Africa

Utility provider APUA is developing a new policy in Antigua to allow customers with solar systems to connect battery storage to the electrical grid. The policy aims to address safety concerns regarding silent battery operations that could potentially endanger utility workers during grid isolation. Electricity Business Unit Manager Andre Matthias stated that technical and safety requirements will be established to protect linesmen while supporting the transition to cleaner energy.

In Africa, the Kamoa Copper complex has launched the continent’s first 24/7 solar battery plant. This on-site microgrid is designed to mitigate regional power grid instability and reduce the operational risks associated with transmission failures in the Central African Copperbelt. The facility allows for continuous metallurgical processing, reducing the reliance on unstable public utilities and minimizing costly downtime for the mining operations.