Uninterrupted power supply maintenance costs for Cape Town solar container communication stations

What is uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in South Africa?

The infrastructure in South Africa has been equipped with basic Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which is a form of continuous power system that automatically delivers backup electric power to a load in the event of a failure in the input power source or mains power (ACT, 2022).

How do network operators secure electricity supply in South Africa?

Due to the distributed nature of telecommunication network infrastructure, network operators will secure their electricity supply through agreements with various municipalities and, in some instances, directly with Eskom. Figure 4: Grid Supply in South Africa Source: CSIR Statistics of utility-scale power generation in South Africa in 2021

Why is backup battery storage important in South Africa?

The demand for batteries has also increased aligned with the increased adoption of renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind, to counter load shedding in South Africa. Backup battery storage solutions are essential for ensuring a stable and reliable power supply when there is inadequate sunshine or wind power.

How does energy supply affect South Africa's corporate landscape?

The corporate landscape in South Africa has been marked by uncertainties in energy supply, which have significant economic repercussions for the country's ability to realize its industrial objectives. Hours of consistent load shedding bring to a standstill productive capacity and services not backed by uninterrupted power supplies.