Sungrow Power Supply, a Chinese photovoltaic inverter manufacturer, signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia's Algihaz Holding for an energy storage project with a capacity of up to 7. 8 gigawatt-hours — the largest energy storage project in the world.
Does Saudi Arabia need battery energy storage?
Both will require battery energy storage to support their renewables targets, experts say. Rystad Energy expects Saudi Arabia's battery energy storage capacity to surpass 11 gigawatt hours (GWh) by the end of the year, from zero at the start of 2024.
South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will host a competitive solicitation for battery storage capacity in two locations. A 2GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project has gone into operation in Saudi Arabia, according to the EPC firm which delivered it.
Battery storage containers at the Bisha project. Image: PowerChina. A 2GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project has gone into operation in Saudi Arabia, according to the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm which delivered it.
This project is one of several large-scale battery storage initiatives underway in Saudi Arabia.
Why are Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates using battery storage systems?
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are taking advantage of falling prices to load up on Chinese-made battery energy storage systems, so they can boost their renewable energy ambitions. Battery storage systems are seen as crucial to integrating solar and wind energy into electrical grids.
According to the consultancy, Saudi Arabia plans to have the world's fifth-largest utility-scale battery storage capacity, after China, the US, Australia and the UK. A solar facility in Neom, Saudi Arabia, which is planning the world's fifth-biggest battery storage system © Alamy