Saudi Arabia’s battery energy storage (bess) projects totalling 4GWh makes advances as it awards contract to China-based Hithium. The nation has deployed two battery energy storage system (bess) projects in northern Saudi Arabia. Located in Tabuk and Hail provinces, the projects will be developed in partnership with Saudi contractor Alfanar Projects. They will have a combined capacity of 4GWh, representing one of the largest bess deployments in the Middle East. The Chinese manufacturer will supply its energy storage battery cells through 6.25MWh bess units.
The systems are engineered to withstand extreme climate conditions, with insulation that reduces internal temperatures by up to 10°C. Moreover, the bess installations will provide grid services including load shifting, black-start capability, frequency regulation and voltage support. Hithium said it will manage system design, supply, installation supervision and long-term maintenance, while Alfanar will oversee construction. Saudi Arabia has made major advancements in bess projects, with works such as the world’s largest BESS project located in the country.
State of Affairs Regarding Saudi Arabia’s 4GWh BESS Projects
Saudi Arabia’s 4GWh BESS deployment will utilize HiTHIUM’s Cell 1175Ah technology, the industry’s first commercially mass-produced long-duration storage solution. It also includes Power 6.25MWh Desert Eagle series systems, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Their multi-layer insulation maintains internal heat as low as 8°C to 10°C below internal temperature and allows operation between -30°C and 60°C with reliability. Additionally, sealed units and automated dust alerts reduce maintenance, and components are rated at 40,000 hours continuous operation.
The BESS units will provide load shifting, frequency regulation, black-start capability, and voltage support. This will enable greater renewable energy integration and less fossil fuel reliance. HiTHIUM will oversee system design, supply, monitoring, and maintenance. On the other hand, Alfanar Projects will lead construction until 2026 commissioning. The compnay has been fundamental in delivering energy projects across the Middle East region such as solar plants. HiTHIUM MEA president Keramat Fakhari labeled Saudi Arabia’s 4GWh BESS project a world standard. It also follows a partnership between HiTHIUM and Samsung C&T in 2025, which is in line with rising global demand for energy storage technology.
