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Saudi Arabia Rises to Global Top 10 in Energy Storage, Eyes 48 GWh Capacity by 2030

Saudi Arabia has secured a spot among the top 10 global markets for energy storage, reinforcing its leadership in renewable energy expansion. The milestone comes alongside the launch of the Bisha Project, a 2,000 MWh battery energy storage system—one of the largest in the Middle East and Africa. The Kingdom, through its National Renewable Energy Program, is targeting a total storage capacity of 48 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030, with 26 GWh already tendered and progressing through various development stages.

Accelerating The Renewable Energy Transition

These projects are critical in driving Saudi Arabia’s ambitious renewable energy targets, which include generating 50% of the country’s electricity from clean sources by 2030. The Kingdom’s commitment to energy storage strengthens grid stability, ensuring a reliable power supply and optimizing the integration of solar and wind energy into the national energy mix.

Saudi Arabia’s Position In The Global Market

According to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of rapidly expanding energy storage markets. The Kingdom plans to operate 8 GWh of storage capacity by 2025 and 22 GWh by 2026, positioning itself as the world’s third-largest market in this sector, trailing only China and the United States.

Bisha Battery Energy Storage Project

The recently launched Bisha battery energy storage project features 488 advanced battery containers with a 500 MW capacity, capable of storing power for up to four hours. The system enables charging during low-demand periods and discharging at peak times, bolstering grid resilience and ensuring backup power availability. This advancement not only enhances electricity supply management but also supports the Kingdom’s broader sustainability initiatives.

Energy Sector Transformation In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, further cementing its role as a leader in energy production and export. By the end of 2024, total renewable energy capacity across all development stages is expected to reach 44.1 GW.

Energy storage is set to play a pivotal role in this shift, enhancing grid reliability and supporting the national electricity network in managing emergency scenarios. These advancements align seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for economic diversification and sustainability, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global powerhouse in the clean energy revolution.

Disney’s Strategic Layoffs Amid Streaming Growth

In a deliberate move to streamline operations, Disney has announced a new wave of layoffs affecting several hundred employees across its global operations, particularly within its film, television, and finance departments. This decision aligns with the entertainment giant’s strategy to adapt to the evolving media landscape marked by a shift from traditional cable subscriptions to streaming services.

Faced with the growing demand for streamlined digital services, Disney continues to explore efficient business management while nurturing the creativity and innovation that its brand is known for. This announcement follows earlier layoffs in 2023, where approximately 7,000 positions were eliminated as part of CEO Bob Iger’s plan to cut $5.5 billion in costs.

A spokesperson emphasized Disney’s surgical approach to the layoffs, ensuring minimal disruption and confirming that no departments would be completely dissolved. As of now, Disney employs 233,000 individuals worldwide, with nearly 60,000 stationed outside the US.

As a leading player, Disney owns several key entertainment entities, including Marvel, Hulu, and ESPN. The company reported a 7% increase in revenue in early 2025, reaching $23.6 billion, underscored by growing subscriptions to Disney+. Despite mixed box office performances from its new releases like ‘Snow White’, Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ set new records, reinforcing the company’s resilient market position.

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