Saudi Arabia Ranked Amongst Top 10 Global Energy Storage Markets

Saudi Arabia has entered the global top 10 energy storage markets, driven by the launch of the 2000 MWh Bisha battery project, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa. The project, equipped with 488 battery containers and a 500 MW capacity for four hours, supports grid stability by storing excess power during off-peak hours and releasing it during high demand.

Under the National Renewable Energy Program, the Ministry of Energy targets 48 GWh of storage capacity by 2030, with 26 GWh already tendered and under development. The Kingdom plans 8 GWh of capacity by 2025, rising to 22 GWh by 2026, which would make it the world’s third-largest energy storage market after China and the US.

Wood Mackenzie consultancy identifies Saudi Arabia as a key emerging player in energy storage growth. The expansion aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to generate 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. As of late 2024, the Kingdom’s total renewable capacity across all project stages reached 44.1 GW.

The rise in energy storage capacity is seen as crucial for grid reliability, reducing outages, and supporting the shift to renewables.