Saudi Arabia Opens Bidding for 12 GWh Battery Storage Projects

Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has launched the qualification process for a second tranche of large-scale battery energy storage projects totaling 12 GWh, marking a major step in the Kingdom’s clean energy transition.

The programme includes six battery energy storage system (BESS) projects, each with a capacity of 500 MW / 2,000 MWh, delivering a combined output of 3 GW with four hours of storage duration.

The projects will be developed under a build-own-operate (BOO) model, where selected bidders will establish special purpose vehicles (SPVs) with full ownership to develop and operate the assets. These SPVs will enter into long-term Storage Services Agreements (SSAs) with SPPC, following a model similar to the first round, which carried a 15-year contract tenure.

This marks the second phase of Saudi Arabia’s battery storage procurement efforts. In November 2024, SPPC launched its first tender for 2 GW / 8 GWh across four projects, attracting strong interest with 33 companies prequalified.

The newly announced projects are spread across key regions, including Qassim, Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, highlighting a geographically diversified rollout of storage infrastructure. The deadline for submission of qualification documents is set for May 5, 2026.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, under which Saudi Arabia is targeting 48 GWh of battery storage capacity by 2030 to support renewable energy integration and grid stability.

In a significant milestone, the Kingdom recently connected a 7.8 GWh battery storage project to the grid in December 2025. Developed by Saudi Electricity Company, the project spans three sites in Najran, Khamis Mushait, and Madaya, each with a capacity of 2.6 GWh and linked to the national grid at 380 kV.