Grid Forming Technologies

Overview

Request for Information on Grid Forming Technologies for NTCSA/Eskom, focusing on Grid Forming BESS capabilities. Open to all manufacturers or suppliers of grid-forming technologies, especially those pairing with BESS, to provide definitions, standards, test evidence, and deployment experience (NTCSA RFI). Submission by 13 November 2026, via NTCSA E-tendering platform (PDF/Excel; no hard copy) per the RFI document.

Requirements

• Clear definition of grid forming technology and the technical standard referenced (RFI).
• Evidence of grid-forming capability and inertial response definitions (RFI).
• Track record: GW/GWh of GFM BESS supplied with GFM capabilities for utilities (RFI).
• Documentation of tests and conformance to internationally recognized codes/standards; provide supporting documentation (RFI).
• Ability to form its own voltage and angle; test evidence and documents (RFI).
• Capability curves and performance data across SCR ranges, SoC, temperature, altitude, etc. (RFI).

References: NTCSA Request for Information (RFI).pdf.

How to Apply

• Deadline and submission: 13 November 2026 10:00 SA time; submit electronically via NTCSA E-tendering site; PDFs and Excels; max 50 MB per file, total 900 MB; no zip; no hard copy; ensure submission status is complete (NTCSA RFI).
• Documents to submit: respond to the RFI questions and attach any supporting docs as PDFs/Excels (NTCSA RFI).
• Registration/pre-qualifications: access to NTCSA e-tendering; note the e-tendering platform may require a CSD number to register (see e-Tendering Help Manual) (NTCSA_E-tendering Help Manual for supplier.pdf).
• Briefing/clarifications: no briefing details provided (metadata indicates N/A); for clarifications, follow NTCSA representative contacts in the RFI (NTCSA RFI).
• Where to obtain documents: RFI text and response sheet are in the NTCSA Request for Information (RFI).pdf; supplier training/help materials available via NTCSA e-tendering page (see manuals) (NTCSA RFI, NTCSA_E-tendering Help Manual).

Notes: The information request aims to gauge GFM tech capabilities, especially when paired with BESS, including voltage/angle control, system strength, inertia, damping, islanding, black start, and related standards and tests (Information on Grid Forming Technologies).pdf.