Saudi Arabia has taken the next step in expanding its renewable energy infrastructure by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for large-scale battery energy storage projects. The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has invited qualified bidders to participate in developing four Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts (MW) and a total storage capability of 8,000 megawatt-hours (MWh). These projects are part of the country’s broader plan to support the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
The projects will be spread across different provinces in Saudi Arabia. The Al-Muwaih BESS, with a capacity of 500 MW/2,000 MWh, will be located about 180 kilometers northeast of Taif in Makkah Province. Another project, the Haden BESS, will also have a capacity of 500 MW/2,000 MWh and will be set up approximately 93 kilometers northeast of Taif, in the same province. In Qassim Province, the Khushaybi BESS will be located around 6.7 kilometers south of Al Khushaybi and 45 kilometers south of Ar Rass, with the same capacity. The fourth project, Kahafah BESS, will be established roughly 135 kilometers south of Hail in Hail Province, also with a 500 MW/2,000 MWh capacity.
Each project will follow a build-own-operate (BOO) model, meaning the selected companies will fully own and manage the special purpose vehicles (SPVs) created to oversee the development and operation of these Independent Storage Provider (ISP) projects. The SPVs will sign 15-year Storage Services Agreements with SPPC. The bid submission deadline is set for June 2, 2025, following the announcement of the list of qualified bidders in December 2024.
While Saudi Arabia focuses on large-scale battery projects, other renewable energy developments are also progressing. The Dumat Al Jandal wind farm in Al-Jouf Province, with a capacity of 400 MW, contributes to the country’s growing wind energy sector. The Sudair Solar PV plant, currently under development, is expected to reach 1.5 GW.
