Breaking news

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.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

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.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

US–Israel Confrontation With Iran To Trigger Significant Decline In Middle Eastern Tourism

Tensions linked to the confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran are expected to affect tourism across the Middle East. According to estimates by Tourism Economics, international arrivals in the region could decline by between 11% and 27% by 2026. The projection, reported by Reuters, contrasts sharply with forecasts published in December that anticipated a 13% increase in arrivals this year.

Economic Implications Of Declining Visitor Numbers

Updated estimates indicate that the region could lose between 23 million and 38 million international visitors. Tourism-related spending may fall by $34 billion to $56 billion if the downturn materialises. Such figures illustrate how geopolitical instability can quickly influence travel demand and regional economic performance.

Erosion Of Traveller Confidence Amid Heightened Uncertainty

Growing security concerns are already weighing on travel sentiment. Periods of geopolitical tension typically lead travellers to postpone or redirect trips, particularly to destinations located near active conflict zones. As uncertainty increases, tourism-dependent economies in the region may face additional pressure on revenues and investment.

Cyprus: An Alert Regional Hub

Cyprus is closely monitoring these developments due to its geographic proximity to the Middle East. Although the island is not directly involved in the conflict, regional instability can influence booking trends and traveller perceptions. Recent security incidents near the British base in Akrotiri have further highlighted how tensions in neighbouring areas can affect confidence across the wider Eastern Mediterranean tourism market.