As Zambia continues to explore renewable energy solutions for critical infrastructure, integrating solar power with energy storage is becoming increasingly important—not only for reducing reliance on the grid, but also for maintaining stable and reliable operations.
A recent project in Lusaka West, Zambia, demonstrates how battery energy storage can play a critical role in supporting essential water pumping infrastructure.
Keeping Water Moving with More Stable Power
At the L85 water pumping points in the Chilanga District, two pumping stations—Mungwi and Sopelo—are connected through the local water supply chain.
Mungwi serves as the upstream pumping site, transferring water to Sopelo for onward distribution. This means that a power interruption at Mungwi can potentially affect the water supply at Sopelo.
While both sites have access to the utility grid, grid reliability and rapidly changing solar generation presented a challenge for the pump stations.
Water pumps are particularly sensitive to voltage and frequency disturbances. Rapid changes in PV output, such as those caused by passing clouds, can result in sudden power fluctuations and potentially cause pumps to trip.
For this application, simply adding more solar capacity was not enough.
The system needed to manage the interaction between solar generation, the grid, battery storage and motor-driven loads.
From Solar Generation to Energy Stability
To address this challenge, Kiyona Energy Limited appointed HANCHU as the EPC contractor to develop two identical solar-plus-storage systems for the Mungwi and Sopelo sites.
At the heart of both systems is the BSLBATT ESS-Grid FlexiO, supplied by Get Off Grid.（P1）
Each site features:
– 552.8 kWp solar PV
– 450 kWh BSLBATT battery storage
– 750 kW BSLBATT PCS
– 500 kW BSLBATT DC/DC converter
Rather than supplying individual battery components, BSLBATT delivered a more complete system solution, integrating battery storage with power conversion, switching, and grid-side electrical equipment.
The system operates as a grid-connected solar-plus-storage solution, with solar power supplying the pumping loads as the primary energy source.
When PV output fluctuates, the battery system acts as an energy buffer, helping smooth short-term changes in generation and maintain a more stable power supply for the pumps.
When solar production exceeds the site’s demand, surplus energy can also be exported to the utility grid rather than being curtailed.
Designed for Stability, Not Just Backup
One of the key characteristics of this project is that the battery system is not primarily designed to provide long-duration backup.
Instead, the ESS is used as a dynamic power buffer.（P3）
The battery can respond to short-term changes in PV generation, grid conditions and load demand, allowing the system to manage fluctuations without exposing the pumps to an unbuffered solar power supply.
This means the battery can operate with frequent, relatively shallow cycles rather than relying on deep cycling for overnight backup.
This application highlights an increasingly important role for C&I energy storage in emerging markets:
Energy storage is not only about storing electricity. It is about controlling how energy is generated, converted and consumed.
One Platform, Two Sites, One Standardized Approach（P2）
Another important feature of the project is the use of the same system architecture at both Mungwi and Sopelo.
Using a standardized BSLBATT FlexiO platform simplifies commissioning, operator training, spare parts management and long-term maintenance across the two locations.
For EPCs and system developers working across multiple commercial and infrastructure sites, this approach can reduce system complexity while making project deployment more repeatable.
A Practical Model for Solar + Storage in Africa
The Zambia project demonstrates how C&I energy storage can go beyond traditional backup applications.
By combining solar PV, battery storage and grid power into one coordinated energy system, critical infrastructure can make better use of renewable energy while improving power stability for demanding loads.
For BSLBATT, the project is another example of our approach to energy storage: designing integrated solutions around the real operating requirements of the customer—not simply supplying batteries.
From industrial facilities to water infrastructure and other critical applications, BSLBATT continues to expand its capabilities in delivering scalable, application-focused energy storage solutions for global markets.
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