Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of a 2,000 MW/8,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) across multiple sites in the Kingdom, marking a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy transition.
The projects, set to be developed under a build-own-operate (BOO) model, are located across key regions. Two of the installations, the 500 MW/2,000 MWh Al-Muwyah BESS ISP and the 500 MW/2,000 MWh Haden BESS ISP, will be built in Makkah. The 500 MW/2,000 MWh Khushaybi BESS is planned for Qassim Province, while the 500 MW/2,000 MWh Kahafah BESS will be located in Hail Province, SPPC said in a statement.
Each BESS will be linked to an advanced inverter system designed to enhance efficiency and manage energy output, enabling direct power supply to the national grid during peak hours.
The successful bidder will hold full ownership of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) established to develop and operate the Independent Storage Provider (ISP) projects. Each SPV will enter into a 15-year storage services agreement with SPPC.
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade. The country has already tendered over 10,100 MWac of renewable energy projects, including solar photovoltaic and wind power, through competitive bidding processes.
Bidders have until June 2 to submit proposals for the latest BESS projects, which are expected to play a critical role in stabilizing the grid as the Kingdom accelerates its shift to clean energy sources.
