CNBM & Deye: Jointly powering South Africa's new energy transformation

As the G20 focuses on sustainable supply chains, the strategic partnership between CNBM and Deye showcases a replicable model for South-South cooperation, delivering stability, growth, and inclusivity.

In the face of a global energy crisis, the 2025 G20 Summit is set to prioritize building sustainable supply chains and climate-resilient infrastructure. Embodying this spirit, Chinese enterprises are at the forefront, demonstrating how strategic cross-border collaboration can effectively address pressing challenges. The partnership between China National Building Material Group and solar-storage leader Ningbo Deye Technology is powering South Africa's energy transition, stabilizing its fragile grid, and reshaping its economic future.

Confronting an energy crisis

South Africa's electricity shortage ranks among the world's most severe. An aging, overburdened grid plagued by frequent breakdowns has led to rotational power cuts, known locally as "load-shedding", lasting up to 12 hours daily. The economic toll is staggering; the South African Reserve Bank estimates the daily cost at nearly 899 million rand ($49 million). This energy deficit stifles business productivity, disrupts households, and fuels soaring electricity costs, which have seen average annual increases of 11 percent over the past decade — more than double the inflation rate.

Strategic pivot: CNBM's localized foothold

CNBM's entry into the South African market in 2016 initially focused on traditional building materials. However, keen market observation revealed a more profound national need: energy security. This insight prompted a strategic pivot toward renewable energy solutions.

Today, CNBM-SA, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, has transformed into a comprehensive platform offering one of the widest ranges of engineering and new energy products in Southern Africa. Its "1+5" regional logistics model — with a central hub in Johannesburg and branch warehouses in Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, and Nelspruit — has become the cornerstone of its renewable energy business. This localized infrastructure ensures agile supply chains and rapid deployment of critical solar and battery systems.

Engineering excellence: Deye's adaptive technology

Concurrently, Deye identified a critical market gap for hybrid inverters capable of operating in regions with unstable grids. Its engineering team developed cutting-edge systems with key features of seamless transition between on-grid and off-grid operation; 4-millisecond switching speed during power outages; smart zero-export control to protect the grid; programmable charging and discharging for cost optimization; and diesel generator compatibility for automated and fuel-saving backup.

These innovations enabled the creation of robust, distributed microgrids, reducing dependence on centralized generation and empowering communities and industries with energy independence.

A synergistic partnership in action

In 2019, the strategic alliance was formed, merging CNBM's deep regional footprint with Deye's technological prowess. The results have been transformative across South Africa.

One of the benefits lies in industrial reliability. A precision metal factory in Johannesburg stabilized its voltage, eliminating costly downtime losses.

The cold chain has also enhanced its efficiency as a national food processor slashed its energy costs by more than 80 percent, securing its operations.

Moreover, a rural solar project now provides clean water and energy to 2,500 residents, while upskilling 20 local electricians in system maintenance and operations.

Embedding sustainability and localization

The partnership integrates commercial success with deep social responsibility. Together, the companies employ more than 200 staff in South Africa and have trained more than 5,000 local installers and engineers through hands-on programs. By fostering local expertise and creating sustainable jobs, they ensure South Africa's clean energy transition is both technologically advanced and socially inclusive.

Driving measurable change

The impact is visible at a national scale. In 2024, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research reported that distributed solar adoption contributed to a 3-percent reduction in national grid demand. This was a key factor behind the dramatic fall in load-shedding hours — from 6,948 in 2023 to just 1,656 in 2024. CNBM's robust logistics and Deye's adaptable technologies have made "Made in China" synonymous with practical, people-centered solutions.

A blueprint for global cooperation

The CNBM-Deye collaboration is a living example of the G20's vision for a Just Energy Transition. Through tangible technology transfer, skill development, and community inclusion, it demonstrates how Chinese innovation and industrial excellence can drive sustainable, inclusive growth in emerging markets. This partnership stands as a powerful new model for global cooperation — where Chinese capability meets global demand — to power a shared future of prosperity and resilience.