An Analysis of South Africa's Diurnal Energy Distribution Towards a Strategy on LV Storage

ABSTRACT This study investigates South Africa's energy distribution patterns and examines the potential of low‐voltage (LV) energy storage to address energy challenges. The research aims to formulate a strategic framework for implementing LV storage technologies by examining diurnal energy fluctuations. Insights drawn from this analysis can inform policymakers and stakeholders in optimising energy management, enhancing grid stability and promoting sustainable development within the South African energy landscape. This paper employs data from the South African National Electricity Utility (Eskom) from 2019 to 2023 to generate the load demand's diurnal, monthly and yearly variations and corresponding irradiance variation. The distribution of irradiance less the load demand is employed to design the optimal energy storage capacity within the LV networks that considers the different load shedding levels presently being experienced in South Africa.