SEC reportedly launches second phase of BESS project: The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has launched the second phase of its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project with a 2.5 GW capacity and a SAR 6.73 bn investment ticket, CNBC reported on Tuesday, citing a company statement. No further details were disclosed for the projects.

The details: SEC has signed purchase contracts with BYD and Al Fanar Projects Company to supply and build 500MW/2GWh BESS across five locations — Riyadh, Al Qaisumah, Al Jawf, Al Dawadmi, and Rabigh. The goal is to increase energy reserves in the selected areas to increase supply flexibility and lower response time to changes in demand, all while reducing operational costs.

ICYMI- BYD signed contracts for the 12.5 GWh energy storage project in February, which included BYD’s Cell-to-System integrated tech. During the same mont, the Saudi Power Procurement Company has issued a Request for Proposals to qualified bidders for 2 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, the first group of 8 GWh developments, Trade Arabia reported on Wednesday. The deadline for submissions is 2 June.

Part of a bigger plan: The BESS project falls under the Ministry of Energy-monitored National Renewable Energy Program which aims to increase the installed capacity of renewable energy in the Kingdom to 50% of the electricity mix by 2030.

IN OTHER ENERGY STORAGE NEWS-

Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has reportedly invited expressions of interest for a 1.6 GW battery energy storage system, Telexpress reported on Sunday. The projects are planned for the Kenitra, Settat, Tetouan, Tit Mellil, Khénifra, and Khouribga regions.

The details: ONEE is eyeing firms willing to handle the design, equipment procurement, construction, trial runs, and long-term operations and maintenance. Operations are slated for 2026.

Recent moves: Morocco said earlier this year it is earmarking some MAD 27 bn (c. USD 2.7 bn) for electricity grid development to accommodate the increasing share of renewable energy. The investments — expected to be made over the next five years — will be key to accommodating the 9+ GW of renewable energy capacity that the kingdom aims to add between 2023 and 2027, with total investments of MAD 90 bn.

REMEMBER- Morocco needs some MAD 30 bn in investments to boost its national electricity grid by 2030.

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