By: Maureen Phiri, director at Oxyon People Solutions
South Africa’s renewable energy landscape is evolving quickly, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are emerging as a critical enabler of this transition.
However, while energy storage is essential to stabilise the grid and unlock the full value of solar and wind, the country does not yet have enough specialised engineering talent with hands-on experience in large-scale storage projects.
Closing this gap will require stronger collaboration between employers, training institutions, industry partners, and government, as well as meaningful investment in practical exposure, mentorship, and upskilling. At the heart of this shift is a powerful opportunity for local engineers to shape the country’s renewable future rather than simply participate in it.
The importance of battery storage and specialised skills
The most significant stumbling block of renewable energy is the fact that it is intermittent in nature. BESS is therefore one of the most significant developments in South Africa’s energy story, because it transforms solar and wind generation into a reliable, on-demand resource. By storing excess energy and releasing it when needed, it bridges the gap between generation and supply and provides stability at a time when loadshedding and grid weaknesses remain persistent concerns. This ability to strengthen reliability, maximise renewable output and support more flexible energy management has made storage indispensable.
However, the rapid rise of BESS has highlighted a challenge: the specialised engineering skills needed to design and operate large-scale storage systems are still in short supply. While the country has strong technical talent, few professionals have real-world experience in front-end engineering and design, grid integration, control systems, or the battery chemistry and thermal management knowledge required for these projects. Many engineers come from solar PV or electrical backgrounds, but storage requires a different level of system understanding that can only be developed through exposure to projects of this scale.
Expanding skillsets is essential
Engineers already working in solar PV or electrical fields can become more competitive by deepening their understanding of battery integration, energy management systems, and power systems modelling. Even short courses, mentorship under senior project engineers, or participation in pilot projects can accelerate that transition.
Upskilling supports individual growth, but it also ensures that South Africa develops the talent required to support its long-term energy ambitions. Front-end engineering teams will need a deeper grounding in chemical and electrical engineering, and greater exposure to large-scale BESS installations. Learning from countries that have already executed major storage projects can support this development, but sustained progress hinges on local experience. Research institutions such as the CSIR also have a role to play by working with training partners to advance studies in storage technology, maintenance requirements and energy utilisation.
Collaborating to build practical learning pathways
Reliable energy underpins sectors such as mining, logistics, freight, manufacturing, and engineering, so the impact of BESS extends well beyond renewable energy alone. Employers can help close the skills gap by creating opportunities for hands-on exposure through SETA programmes, apprenticeships and internships that place young engineers and graduates directly on storage-related projects. On-site visits for students in chemical and electrical engineering can also spark early interest and introduce future professionals to the realities of large-scale energy systems.
Stronger alignment between education and industry requirements is equally important. Apprenticeships for existing professionals, targeted SETA programmes for new entrants and mentorship from engineers with large-scale project experience all contribute to building a more capable workforce. Stakeholders, including government, Eskom, and the Independent Power Producer community, need to engage intentionally with training institutions to ensure that technical education reflects the skills needed as South Africa shifts its approach to generating and storing electricity.
Strengthening South Africa’s long-term energy capability
Addressing the BESS skills shortage is about more than just meeting immediate project demands. It is central to building a resilient workforce that can support the long-term stability of South Africa’s economy, which is underpinned by reliable energy. As industries move toward renewable and hybrid systems, professionals with expertise in storage, electrification and sustainable operations will become increasingly important. Without these capabilities, renewable rollout will be slower, with higher project costs and reduced opportunities for local job creation. This will have knock-on effects across the wider industrial ecosystem and our economy.
For the country to transition successfully, technology and human capability must advance together. BESS represents a significant industrial opportunity, but its success depends on deliberate investment in the people who will design, implement, and maintain these systems over time. At the end of the day, this transition is creating incredible opportunities for South African engineers, not just to fill jobs, but to shape the future of renewable energy here. The more we invest in upskilling, the stronger our local talent pipeline becomes.
