Saudi Energy (formerly Saudi Electricity Company) said it has commissioned the world’s largest grid-side grid-forming Battery energy storage system (BESS) project with a total installed capacity of 2.5 GW, utilising BYD Energy Storage’s advanced energy storage technology across five strategic locations in the kingdom.

Alfanar Projects was the EPC contractor for the project which successfully delivered all five projects within a record timeframe.

The landmark project has successfully completed all grid-tied charging and discharging tests and is now officially operational. The project forms part of SEC’s Phase III Energy Storage Programme and serves five major power regions across the kingdom, including Riyadh, Rabigh, Dawadmi, Al Jouf, and Qassim.

The advanced grid-forming battery systems are designed to strengthen grid stability, enhance renewable energy integration, and support Saudi Arabia’s ambitious clean energy objectives, said Saudi Energy in a statement.

The project is currently recognised as the largest grid-side grid-forming energy storage cluster in the world, incorporating more than 2,000 Power Conversion System (PCS) units. 

The large-scale energy storage network will significantly improve the flexibility and reliability of Saudi Arabia’s power system by increasing grid regulation capabilities, supporting the growing share of renewable energy generation, reducing local power supply constraints, and ensuring stable electricity supply across multiple regions.

The successful commissioning of the 2.5 GW facility represents a significant milestone in the development of a new-generation power system in Saudi Arabia and demonstrates the growing role of battery energy storage in supporting the Kingdom’s transition toward a cleaner, more resilient, and renewable-based energy future, it added.