Middle East Government Energy Storage System

Does the UAE have energy storage systems in the GCC region?

The UAE has installed most of the energy storage systems in the GCC region. In 2016, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority announced the deployment of around 108 MW of sodium-sulfur-based BESS with an individual capacity of around 4 MW and 8 MW at diferent locations to support their distribution network.

What is energy storage system deployment in MENA?

Energy Storage System deployment in MENA Energy Storage Systems (ESS) play a critical role in the integration of VRE into the power grid, as these systems manage the intermittencies of renewable energy resources and mitigate potential power supply disruptions.

How can governments support energy storage development in the GCC region?

The governments in the GCC region could collaborate with energy storage developers to introduce favorable regulations and provide capital investments to support the development of a utility-scale energy storage market and eliminate the financing risk and uncertainty factor for the projects by providing long-term contracts through auctions.

Can energy storage be integrated in MENA?

Although the energy storage market in MENA is bound to grow, several barriers exist that hinder the integration of ESS and the ramping up of investments. Financial, regulatory, and market barriers need to be addressed via policy tools that lay the foundations for an evolved power market to integrate the deployed ESS.

Which energy storage technology has the most installed capacity in MENA?

Pumped hydro storage (PHS) has the largest share of installed capacity in MENA at 55%, as compared to a global share of 90%. Pumped hydro storage is one of the oldest energy storage technologies, which explains its dominance in the global ESS market.

Will energy storage expand in MENA?

The current utility business model limits the prospects of energy storage expansion opportunities, unless driven by direct governmental support. Auctions in MENA have been a major driver for renewable energy deployment, most notably for solar and wind, but only a few have included energy storage.