China’s ZOE Energy to launch Saudi battery hub, SGS bags Saudi for five years, Sarco eyes industrial waste acquisition

ZOE Energy joins race to localize Saudi battery storage manufacturing

Chinese battery maker ZOE Energy signed a joint venture agreement with an unnamed Saudi partner to establish a battery energy storage system (BESS) manufacturing hub in Saudi Arabia, according to a press release. The 150-acre project will be developed over two phases, with 6 GWh of annual capacity coming online in 1Q 2027 before expanding to 18 GWh. Once complete, it will be the Kingdom’s first dedicated utility-scale BESS manufacturing plant.

Made at home, built for export: The project will produce battery energy storage systems for the Saudi market as well as for export to the Gulf and the wider Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and Africa.

Why it matters: Chinese clean-tech firms are racing to localize production in Saudi Arabia as state tenders increasingly favor domestic supply chains. The push comes just over a month after the Saudi Power Procurement Company launched prequalification for six battery energy storage projects totaling 3 GW. ZOE’s move follows a similar 5.5 GWh localization agreement in February between Chinese rival Cornex and Al Rajhi Electrical.

Saudi Ground Services secures fresh Saudia contract

Saudia awarded a SAR 6.3 bn airport services contract to Saudi Ground Services (SGS), according to a Tadawul disclosure. The five-year contract involves providing ground handling, ramp handling, and passenger services for the carrier’s domestic and international flights across all Saudi airports.

Locking in the home market: While SGS remains the Kingdom’s dominant ground handler, international rivals like Switzerland’s Swissport have been expanding across Saudi airports in a bid to capture business from foreign carriers. SGS, meanwhile, has secured the home team. By locking down Saudia, Flynas, and Riyadh Air on contracts stretching three to five years, it has effectively ring-fenced three of the Kingdom’s largest airlines. Foreign competitors may keep growing their local footprints, but the core of Saudi Arabia’s aviation market is now tied to SGS for years to come.

Refineries Venture eyes a 33% stake in Global Waste Solutions

Refineries Venture wants a third of Global Waste Solutions: Saudi Arabian Refineries Company (Sarco) subsidiary Refineries Venture inked a non-binding MoU with Khadra Al-Hijaz Environmental Services to acquire a 33% stake in Global Waste Solutions, according to a Tadawul disclosure.

It’s all part of an expansion plan: The proposed acquisition would expand the company’s presence in industrial waste treatment and management, including caustic, acidic, and alkaline waste, as well as oily sludge treatment and remediation.

A whole lot of projects are coming Makkah’s way

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has awarded six projects worth a combined SAR 13.3 bn under the Developed Neighborhoods program, according to a statement. The projects aim to bolster the urban environment, infrastructure, and public services in six locations across the city.