- SMA Altenso, a subsidiary of German power electronics leader SMA Technology AG, has strengthened its global reach with the establishment of Altenso Africa (Pty) Ltd. in South Africa.
- The move marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to expand its large-scale energy solutions business across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Altenso specialises in utility-scale system integration, including battery energy storage systems (BESS) and green hydrogen technology. Backed by more than 40 years of SMA expertise in inverter technology, the company has already delivered or is implementing over 1.5 GW of energy storage capacity and more than 1 GW of hydrogen-related power projects worldwide. Altenso also develops its own projects and has successfully originated and sold assets across the European market.
With its new regional base, Altenso aims to support both industrial and utility-scale clean energy developments in Africa. Its services will include full system integration, project development, and tailored solutions for markets facing grid instability and growing power demand.
The Altenso team in Cape Town. Image credit: Altenso
“Altenso Africa marks a key milestone in the Altenso journey, paving the way for further growth in our BESS and hydrogen businesses,” said Managing Directors Burkhard Söhngen and Dr.-Ing. Enrique Garralaga. “We are excited to collaborate with local partners and actively contribute to a sustainable energy future in these regions.”
The company plans to focus heavily on deploying battery storage systems and piloting advanced technologies to enhance energy reliability in areas with weak grid infrastructure. Leveraging SMA’s cutting-edge solutions, which include grid-forming capabilities, inertia provision and black-start functionality, Altenso intends to play a central role in supporting Africa’s clean energy transition.
Altenso’s expansion into South Africa underscores its commitment to driving global decarbonisation and supporting the rapid growth of renewable energy projects across emerging markets.
For enquiries, please email the Altenso team in Cape Town at: Africa@SMA-Altenso.com
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Altenso Africa (Pty) Ltd. The District, 41 Sir Lowry Road, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
Directors: Burkhard Soehngen and Thorsten Ronge
