Riyadh, February 15, 2025 – Saudi Arabia has secured a leading position among the world's top ten markets in the battery energy storage sector, a milestone that coincides with the launch of the Bisha Project, one of the largest energy storage initiatives in the Middle East and Africa, boasting an impressive capacity of 2000 megawatt-hours (MWh).
Under the National Renewable Energy Program, overseen by the Ministry of Energy, Saudi Arabia aims to achieve a total energy storage capacity of 48 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030. To date, the Kingdom has tendered 26 GWh of storage projects, which are currently at various stages of development. These initiatives are crucial in supporting the expansion of renewable energy and contributing to the national energy mix target, which seeks to generate 50% of total electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
According to a ranking by global energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of rapidly emerging energy storage markets, with expectations that its new storage capacities will further reinforce its position among the world’s leading markets over the next decade. This growth aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the expansion of electricity generation from renewable sources such as solar and wind energy.
By 2025, Saudi Arabia plans to operate 8 GWh of energy storage projects, increasing to 22 GWh by 2026. Based on announced storage capacities, this positions the Kingdom as the third-largest global market for energy storage projects, trailing only China and the United States.
The recently inaugurated Bisha battery energy storage project features 488 advanced battery containers, providing a storage capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) for up to four hours. The project is designed to optimize electricity supply by enabling battery charging during low-demand periods and discharging during peak hours. This ensures reliable backup power, enhances the flexibility of electricity grid management, and supports the Kingdom’s transition towards smarter and more sustainable energy solutions.
Saudi Arabia’s energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, further cementing its leadership in the production and export of various energy forms. By the end of 2024, the total capacity of renewable energy projects across all development phases had reached 44.1 GW, underscoring the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy advancement. Energy storage plays a vital role in enhancing grid reliability, strengthening the National Grid’s ability to manage emergency situations, and achieving strategic objectives that drive the Kingdom’s energy sector forward.
