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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2025

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.

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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.

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Cyprus Construction Trends: Permit Count Slips While Value and Scale Surge in 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 11, 2025

The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) has reported a notable shift in the construction landscape for 2025. The latest figures reveal a modest 1.9% decline in building permits issued in March compared to the same month last year, signaling a nuanced trend in the nation’s developmental activities.

Permit Count Decline in March

In March 2025, authorities authorised 572 building permits—down from 583 in March 2024. The permits, which total a value of €361.5 million and cover 296,900 square metres of construction, underscore a cautious pace in permit approval despite ongoing projects. Notably, these permits are set to facilitate the construction of 1,480 dwelling units, reflecting an underlying demand in the housing sector.

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Q1 2025: Growth in Value, Construction Area, and Dwelling Units

While the number of permits in the first quarter (January to March) decreased by 15.8% from 1,876 to 1,580, more significant, economically relevant metrics saw robust growth. Total permit value surged by 21.7%, and the authorised construction area expanded by 15.6%. Additionally, the number of prospective dwelling units increased by 16.7% compared to the corresponding period last year. This divergence suggests that although fewer permits were issued, the scale and ambition of the approved projects have intensified.

New Regulatory Framework and the Ippodamos System

Since 1 July 2024, a pivotal transition has taken place in permit administration. The responsibility for issuing permits has moved from municipalities and district administration offices to the newly established local government organisations (EOAs). The integrated information system, Ippodamos, now oversees the licensing process, streamlining data collection on both residential and non-residential projects across urban and rural areas.

Comprehensive Data Collection for Enhanced Oversight

The Ippodamos system categorises construction projects using the EU Classification of Types of Construction (CC). This platform gathers extensive data on the number of permits authorised, project area and value, and the expected number of dwelling units. It covers a broad spectrum of construction activities—from new builds and civil engineering projects to plot divisions and road construction—while excluding renewals and building divisions. The thoroughness of this new regulatory structure promises greater operational transparency and more informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders.