- Expansion into South Africa strengthens regional footprint and supports utility scale energy transition.
- Namibia green hydrogen project advances with battery storage and power to gas integration.
- Hybrid and off-grid solutions gain traction in Angola and other emerging markets.
SMA Altenso, a subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG focused on large scale energy storage and system integration, is ramping up its presence across Africa as demand for reliable and sustainable power continues to rise.
The company’s latest strategy targets utility scale solar and battery storage projects designed to stabilise weak grid infrastructure and improve energy access. This expansion is gaining momentum through a series of developments across Southern Africa.
Related news: SMA adept in off-grid and utility scale battery + solar solutions
In South Africa, SMA Altenso has established a new operational presence as part of its global growth plan. The move is aimed at accelerating the deployment of advanced inverter technologies and large-scale battery energy storage systems to support the country’s energy transition and reduce grid instability. Read more
Meanwhile, in Namibia, the company is playing a central role in a major green hydrogen project along the Atlantic coast. SMA Altenso is acting as the system integrator for the battery energy storage component while also delivering power to gas solutions required for hydrogen production. The project is scheduled to begin production in mid 2025 and is expected to position Namibia as a key player in the global green hydrogen market.
In Angola, the company has contributed to the development of the Cazombo Photovoltaic Park, a landmark project that signals the expansion of large scale off grid hybrid power plants in the region. The project highlights the growing importance of hybrid systems in areas with limited or unreliable grid access. Read more
Across the continent, SMA Altenso is prioritising battery storage projects and pilot initiatives that enhance grid reliability. Its technical approach includes grid-forming capabilities, synthetic inertia and black start functionality, all of which are critical for maintaining stable electricity networks in markets with constrained infrastructure.
The company’s expansion aligns with a broader shift across Africa toward renewable energy deployment, driven by increasing demand from both commercial and utility scale consumers. As countries seek to diversify energy sources and improve resilience, integrated solar and storage solutions are expected to play a central role in the continent’s evolving energy landscape.
For enquiries, please email the Altenso team in Cape Town at: Africa@SMA-Altenso.com
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
