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China and Saudi Arabia turn desert into energy powerhouse with world's largest battery storage system

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 24/01/2025 ร s 17:50
China and Saudi Arabia turn desert into energy powerhouse with world's largest battery storage system
Strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China to develop the worldโ€™s largest energy storage system. This collaboration combines advanced Chinese technology with Saudi Arabiaโ€™s goals to lead the renewable energy sector.

With advanced technology from China and 122 BYD battery units, Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 plan by connecting the largest BESS system on the planet, capable of storing 2000 MWh in extreme desert conditions.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a true economic and energy transformation with its Vision 2030 strategy. The plan is to reduce dependence on oil and diversify its economy by investing heavily in renewable energy projects. Sounds ambitious? It certainly does, but the country is not alone in this journey and is counting on Chinaโ€™s help.

Covering the desert with solar panels sounds like a brilliant idea, but where do you store all that energy? That's where storage system The battery-powered energy system (BESS) in Bisha, the largest in the world. This project, with a capacity of 500 MW/2000 MWh, promises not only to store energy, but also to ensure the stability of the power grid.

The technology behind the world's largest BESS system

In practice, this cooperation will help the people of Saudi Arabia by ensuring more stable energy, even with the use of renewable sources such as solar and wind, which depend on the weather. This means fewer blackouts, cleaner energy and, in the long term, potentially lower electricity bills, as well as creating local jobs in infrastructure projects and maintenance.
In practice, this cooperation will help the people of Saudi Arabia by ensuring more stable energy, even with the use of renewable sources such as solar and wind, which depend on the weather. This means fewer blackouts, cleaner energy and, in the long term, potentially lower electricity bills, as well as creating local jobs in infrastructure projects and maintenance.

Chinese giant BYD was responsible for supplying the 122 storage units, each equipped with cutting-edge technology. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries not only offer high efficiency, but are also designed to withstand extreme conditions.

Building in the desert is a real challenge. High temperatures and sandstorms could compromise any project, but Chinese engineering, together with the consortium formed by the State Grid Corporation of China and Alfanar Projects, found clever solutions to overcome these barriers. The result? A robust and reliable system.

A strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China

Sino-Saudi consortium combines local expertise and Chinese technology to create an infrastructure which puts Saudi Arabia at the forefront of renewable energy. This partnership reflects China's growing influence in the Middle East.

The collaboration with China is not just about technology, but also about strategic learning. Saudi Arabia is absorbing knowledge that can be applied to other projects, such as the construction of the sustainable city of Neom and the development of nuclear energy.

Renewable energy and Saudi Arabia's role on the global stage

Companies such as Masdar, ACWA Power and TotalEnergies are competing for long-term storage contracts. This global interest shows how Saudi Arabia is becoming a player in the renewable energy market.

While renewable energy is the main focus, the country also has ambitious plans to explore its nuclear capacity, taking advantage of its uranium reserves. to position itself as a player strategic in the sector.

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Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 3.000 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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