Vodacom deploys Redflow batteries to reduce theft and vandalism at South African mobile tower sites

Since 2010 Specialized Solar Systems set out to change mind-sets for energy delivery and storage solutions throughout South African and other African markets. Having similar aligned objectives, in 2015 a strategic collaboration was formed. Specialized Solar Systems became a system integrator for Redflow Limited in South Africa. One of the recent innovations gaining attention is Vodacom Redflow batteries. With many successful projects completed, the Redflow ZBM2 Flow battery has delivered superior longevity, is environmentally friendly and theft proof.

Redflow Limited produces small 10kWh zinc-bromine flow batteries that tolerate daily hard work in harsh conditions. In fact, Vodacom Redflow batteries—marketed as ZCell and ZBM2—are designed for high cycle-rate, long time-base stationary energy storage applications in the residential, commercial & industrial and telecommunications sectors. Furthermore, they are scalable from a single battery installation through to grid-scale deployments.

With the spate of battery thefts affecting the African telcomarket it is Redflow’s belief that the ZBM2 battery’s resistance to theft and vandalism is an important competitive advantage for the product in the large African market and other emerging economies. This safety feature explains why Vodacom Redflow batteries are gaining traction in the sector.

Theft of lithium and lead-acid batteries, often conducted by criminal syndicates, is wreaking havoc in South Africa.   One large operator has reported experiencing five to 20 incidents of vandalism or theft each day. Given this context, Vodacom’s choice of Redflow batteries shows the importance of choosing Vodacom Redflow batteries for increased security. As a result, network operators spend tens of millions of dollars to replace stolen batteries and additional security measures. 

Operators say the battery theft is an issue of national concern affecting not only operators but consumers and businesses whose service may be cut off completely in some areas. Therefore, solutions like Vodacom Redflow batteries contribute meaningfully to safety and service continuity.

One of Africa’s leading telecommunication companies Vodacom is deploying Redflow zinc-bromine flow batteries at mobile base stations in South Africa to reduce the vandalism and theft associated with lead-acid and lithium batteries. This effort further highlights the practical benefits of Vodacom Redflow batteries in deterring theft at critical network sites.

Ina statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Redflow reported that Vodacom’s new use of Redflow ZBM2 batteries specifically to manage battery theft and vandalism is a significant commercial development for Redflow in the large African market. This partnership underscores why Vodacom Redflow batteries offer a unique advantage to network operators.

This development provides meaningful external validation by a major player in the African telco market of Redflow’s belief that the ZBM2 battery’s resistance to theft and vandalism is an important competitive advantage for the product in the large African market and other emerging economies. In this respect, Vodacom Redflow batteries are setting a new standard for the industry.

In September 2019, Redflow announced it had won an order from its South African partner, Mobax, to provide 68 ZBM2 zinc-bromine flow batteries for at least 20 mobile phone tower sites in South Africa. Vodacom, which owns these tower sites, is already deploying Redflow batteries to reduce the operating costs associated with diesel-powered base stations. Adding these Vodacom Redflow batteries is a step towards sustainable infrastructure.

Anotherkey Redflow partner in South Africa, Moropa, has also deployed Redflow’sbatteries in its deep rural towers to support the Vodacom network.

Vodacomrecognises that the unique properties of Redflow make them less attractive tocriminals targeting base stations across South Africa.  Unlike lead-acidor lithium batteries, the 10 kWh Redflow zinc-bromine flow battery does notconsist of battery cells, thus it cannot be broken down into individualcomponents that can be transported, sold, or re-used as batteries.

The240kg Redflow battery is mainly constructed of heavy-duty plastics and a liquidelectrolyte. Each Redflow battery contains 100 litres of a free-flowingzinc-bromide electrolyte solution which is perfectly safe when the battery isinstalled but requires trained personnel and equipment to move and handle thebattery safely.

TheRedflow battery also contains a number of mechanical, software and location-basedfeatures that not only stop a device from working if it is moved but can alsotrace the battery and identify it as coming from a specific Vodacomlocation.  

RedflowManaging Director Tim Harris said Redflow was delighted to extend itsrelationship with Vodacom and its telco partner Mobax. “Not only does thisimprove the operational bottom line for off-grid sites with one of the region’slargest telco operators, but it also helps them to address the major issue ofbattery theft,” he said. 

“Anumber of the 68 batteries purchased by Vodacom in September have now beendeployed by Mobax at both diesel sites and theft-prone locations. Mobax willcontinue to deploy the remainder in the New Year. This is an importantdevelopment to Redflow and our investors; it is further evidence of the roleour innovative flow battery solution can play in the telco market in SouthAfrica and beyond. ”