BESS Energy Storage Capacity Prices in the Middle East

What is a Bess project?

The SPPC, administered by the Saudi Ministry of Energy, aligns with the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP). Once completed, the BESS project is expected to be the world’s largest. Location: Saudi Arabia Capacity: 8GWh of storage capacity Significance: World’s largest BESS Project Main Company Involved: Saudi Power Procurement Company

Why are batteries becoming a preferred energy storage solution in the Middle East?

In the Middle East and African region, the demand for batteries has increased in the Middle East as a preferred energy storage solution primarily due to technological innovation and the reduction of battery costs.

What does Bess stand for?

The implementation of the world’s largest battery energy system (BESS) project progresses as Saudi Arabia begins qualification tenders. A Saudi Arabian entity that has been tasked with procuring electricity generation projects has commenced the process. Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) is licensed as the sole buyer of electrical energy.

How many Bess facilities are there in Makkah?

The locations of the four BESS facilities have already been decided. Two will be in Makkah province, one in Qassim province, and the other in Hail province. They have also been termed as independent storage projects (ISPs) by SPPC. Qualified bidders have been issued until midday, 25 November 2024, to submit their proposals for the BESS project.

What is Eskom's first battery energy storage system?

December 2022: Eskom, South Africa's principal utility and grid operator, has begun work on its first battery energy storage system (BESS) with Hyosung Heavy Industries. It will generate 8MW of power and store 32MWh of energy, and it will be erected in 7-12 months with a connection to Eskom's Elandskop substation.

How does Bess procurement work in the UAE?

In the UAE, Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) issued in July 2024 a RfP for a 400 MW / 400 MWh standalone BESS project. These offtakers conduct BESS procurement either through the EPC route, where they procure the BESS product, or via the IFP route, where they procure flexibility services.