Saudi Arabia Achieves Leading Position in Global Battery Energy Storage Market with Launch of Bisha Project
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia has secured a prominent position among the top ten global markets for battery energy storage, marking a significant milestone with the launch of the Bisha Project. This project, with a storage capacity of 2000 MWh, is one of the largest energy storage initiatives in the Middle East and Africa.
The Kingdom’s National Renewable Energy Program, managed by the Ministry of Energy, is focused on achieving an ambitious storage capacity goal of 48 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030. To date, 26 GWh of storage projects have been tendered and are progressing through various stages of development. These projects are critical in supporting the expansion of renewable energy, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s target of generating 50 percent of its total electricity production from renewable sources by 2030.
According to Wood Mackenzie, a leading energy consultancy, Saudi Arabia is positioned at the forefront of emerging markets experiencing rapid growth in energy storage. This momentum is expected to further solidify the Kingdom’s place among the top global markets for energy storage in the coming decade.
This progress is aligned with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes increasing electricity production from renewable sources like solar and wind. The Kingdom aims 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, following China and the United States, based on announced storage capacities.
The Bisha battery energy storage project, now operational, features 488 advanced battery containers capable of storing 500 MW for up to four hours. The project facilitates efficient battery charging during low-demand periods and discharging during peak times, enhancing the flexibility of the electricity supply and providing backup power when needed. This is a key advancement toward a smarter and more sustainable energy future.
The ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia’s energy sector strengthens its position as a leader in the production and export of diverse energy types. By the end of 2024, the total capacity of renewable energy projects in various stages of development is expected to reach 44.1 GW.
Energy storage plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability of the electricity supply, enhancing the National Grid’s ability to respond to emergencies, and supporting the Kingdom’s strategic energy sector objectives.
