Saudi Arabia has integrated its largest battery energy storage system (BESS) into the grid, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy development.
The innovative facility boasts a staggering capacity of 500 MW/2000 MWh, positioning itself as the largest operational single-phase energy storage project worldwide.
This ambitious development, located in Bisha, the southwestern Saudi Arabian province of ‘Asir, incorporates 122 prefabricated storage units crafted by the Chinese company BYD. Each storage unit is equipped with a 6 MW power conversion system and features four lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery modules, providing robust power storage capabilities.
This systematic design enhances efficiency while addressing potential technical failures.
Engineered by Power China’s Hubei Engineering Co., the project overcame the challenges posed by the harsh desert climate, including extreme heat and sandstorms. Engineers developed advanced installation techniques and streamlined commissioning processes, greatly enhancing the system’s resilience.
The Bisha BESS is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure. The kingdom’s long-term economic strategy “Vision 2030” aims to derive 50% of its energy from renewable sources. Energy storage is a vital component of this transition, providing grid flexibility and enabling the integration of intermittent power sources such as solar and wind.
The project is among several large-scale battery storage initiatives being developed in Saudi Arabia. In an ongoing procurement, the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) is tendering four 500 MW / 2,000 MWh BESS projects. The list of prequalified 33 bidders was released earlier in January, revealing Masdar, ACWA Power, EDF, and TotalEnergies as competitors for 15-year storage services agreements.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul continued his urgent Middle East tour with stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as Berlin seeks to help de-escalate the growing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a two-day official visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties and discussing key regional issues with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to help Syria by supplying electricity, paying off Syria’s World Bank debts, and providing financial support to cover public sector salaries for three months.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide joint financial support for Syrian state employees, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced during a visit to Damascus, as regional efforts to support Syria’s reconstruction gain momentum.
Saudi Arabia has privately urged Iran to swiftly accept a nuclear agreement proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that delays could trigger an Israeli military strike and plunge the region into deeper conflict, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
North Korea strongly condemned the U.S. strike on Iran, calling it a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security interests.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold an emergency Board of Governors meeting today after U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports the U.S. strike on Iran and calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
China has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning it has undermined Washington’s credibility and risks triggering a broader regional crisis.
Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers are urging Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran, warning against deeper U.S. involvement in the escalating Middle East conflict.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Germany’s federal government spent over 1.2 billion euros on software, licenses and IT services in 2024, more than 25% higher than the previous year.
Japan’s core inflation rose to a more than two-year high in May, exceeding the central bank’s 2% target for over three years and increasing pressure on the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to resume rate hikes.
Two Nigerian communities will take Shell to trial in the UK in 2027 after winning a court ruling over Niger Delta oil pollution.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced Friday it is raising its financing ceiling to a record €100 billion to accelerate investments in defence, energy security and Europe’s technological leadership.
Meta has teamed up with Oakley to release AI-powered smart glasses, expanding its push into wearable tech after the success of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. The social media company is expanding its partnership with Oakley and Ray-Ban-parent EssilorLuxottica.
North Korea strongly condemned the U.S. strike on Iran, calling it a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security interests.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold an emergency Board of Governors meeting today after U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports the U.S. strike on Iran and calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
China has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning it has undermined Washington’s credibility and risks triggering a broader regional crisis.
Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers are urging Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran, warning against deeper U.S. involvement in the escalating Middle East conflict.
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