Saudi Arabia has established itself as a leading player among the top ten global markets in the area of energy storage in Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the launch of the Bisha Project, which boasts a capacity of 2000 MWh and stands as one of the largest energy storage projects in the Middle East and Africa. Through the National Renewable Energy Program, managed by the Ministry of Energy, the Kingdom aims to achieve a storage capacity of up to 48 gigawatt-hours by 2030. To date, 26 gigawatt-hours of storage projects have been tendered, and they are at various stages of development, SPA reported.
These projects play a pivotal role in bolstering the expansion of renewable energy, thus assisting in reaching the targets of the national energy mix. The Kingdom further aims for 50 percent of total electricity production to come from renewables by 2030.
According to the ranking by Wood Mackenzie consultancy, a specialist in the energy sector, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of emerging markets that are undergoing rapid growth in energy storage projects. Expectations of new storage capacities are likely to further solidify the Kingdom’s standing among the top ten global markets in this sector over the next decade.
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Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
This growth aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aspires to increase electricity generation from renewable sources like solar and wind energy. The Kingdom plans to operate 8 GWh of energy storage projects by 2025, and 22 GWh by 2026, positioning itself as the third largest global market in energy storage projects, following China and the United States, based on the announced storage capacities.
Bisha battery energy storage project
The recently operational Bisha battery energy storage project features 488 advanced battery containers with a storage capacity of 500 MW for a duration of four hours. The project enables battery charging during low-demand periods and discharging during peak times, ensuring backup power availability when necessary, enhancing the flexibility of electricity supply management, and promoting smart solutions for a more sustainable energy future.
Transformation of the energy sector in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom’s energy sector is further experiencing a significant transformation that enhances its leading position in the production and export of various energy types. By the end of 2024, the total capacity of renewable energy projects, across all stages of development, is expected to reach 44.1 GW.
Energy storage plays a crucial role in improving the reliability of electricity supply, which in turn enhances the National Grid’s ability to handle emergency situations and achieve strategic objectives for advancing the energy sector in the Kingdom.
