Price of large capacity energy storage batteries in the United Arab Emirates

Why are Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates using battery storage systems?

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are taking advantage of falling prices to load up on Chinese-made battery energy storage systems, so they can boost their renewable energy ambitions. Battery storage systems are seen as crucial to integrating solar and wind energy into electrical grids.

How much does battery energy storage cost in Saudi Arabia?

While building a kilowatt-hour’s worth of battery energy storage in Europe or the US costs about $250, Rystad estimates in Saudi Arabia it is less than $200. Chinese battery maker BYD, whose electric vehicles are popular in the region, dominates the market in Saudi Arabia.

Will Saudi Arabia have the world's fifth-largest battery storage capacity?

According to the consultancy, Saudi Arabia plans to have the world’s fifth-largest utility-scale battery storage capacity, after China, the US, Australia and the UK. A solar facility in Neom, Saudi Arabia, which is planning the world’s fifth-biggest battery storage system © Alamy

What is a 'gigascale' solar & battery project in Abu Dhabi?

Meanwhile, the UAE has launched a “gigascale” solar and battery project in Abu Dhabi, which is planned to provide baseload energy 24 hours a day. The plant will have a 19GWh battery storage system, and is a partnership between utility Emirates Water and Electricity Company and renewables group Masdar.