Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a leading player among the top ten global markets for energy storage. This development coincides with the launch of the Bisha Project, which has a capacity of 2000 megawatt-hours (MWh) and is recognized as one of the largest energy storage projects in the Middle East and Africa.

The Kingdom, through its National Renewable Energy Program overseen by the Ministry of Energy, aims to achieve a storage capacity of up to 48 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030. Currently, 26 GWh of storage projects have been tendered and are at various stages of development, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

These energy storage projects are crucial for enhancing the expansion of renewable energy in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is targeting to have 50 percent of its electricity production come from renewable sources by 2030, which includes solar and wind energy. The ambitious plans align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.

Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of emerging markets that are rapidly developing energy storage projects. Analysts expect that the anticipated new storage capacities will further strengthen the Kingdom’s position among the top ten global markets in this sector over the next decade, as reported by Economy Middle East.

The growth in energy storage is also reflected in the Kingdom’s plans to operate 8 GWh of energy storage projects by 2025, and 22 GWh by 2026. This positions Saudi Arabia as the third-largest global market for energy storage projects, following China and the United States, based on announced storage capacities.

The Bisha battery energy storage project, which is now operational, consists of 488 advanced battery containers with a storage capacity of 500 MW for a duration of four hours. This project allows for battery charging during periods of low demand and discharging during peak demand times, ensuring that backup power is available when necessary. This enhances the flexibility of electricity supply management and promotes smart solutions for a sustainable energy future.

The transformation of the energy sector in Saudi Arabia is significant and is enhancing its position in the production and export of various energy types. By the end of 2024, the total capacity of renewable energy projects at all stages of development is expected to reach 44.1 GW. Energy storage is playing a vital role in improving the reliability of electricity supply, which in turn strengthens the National Grid’s capacity to handle emergencies and achieve the strategic objectives of advancing the energy sector in the Kingdom.