Does the UAE have energy storage systems in the GCC region?

The UAE has installed most of the energy storage systems in the GCC region. In 2016, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority announced the deployment of around 108 MW of sodium-sulfur-based BESS with an individual capacity of around 4 MW and 8 MW at diferent locations to support their distribution network.

How can governments support energy storage development in the GCC region?

The governments in the GCC region could collaborate with energy storage developers to introduce favorable regulations and provide capital investments to support the development of a utility-scale energy storage market and eliminate the financing risk and uncertainty factor for the projects by providing long-term contracts through auctions.

How should energy storage be regulated?

Adopt a comprehensive regulatory framework with specific energy storage targets in national energy policies by setting achievable targets and timelines to drive energy storage deployment. Energy and electricity laws and regulations should account for the deployment of energy storage and be amended accordingly.

Which energy storage solutions will be the leading energy storage solution in MENA?

Electrochemical storage (batteries) will be the leading energy storage solution in MENA in the short to medium terms, led by sodium-sulfur (NaS) and lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries.

Is battery energy storage a new technology?

The battery energy storage market has not experienced any significant growth in this region hence it is still seen as a new technology and the costs are relatively high compared to the parts of the world.

Why do we need energy storage systems?

This necessitates reinforcing the power network, firming capacities, and enhancing the grids’ stability and flexibility. Increasing the deployment of intermittent energy sources without integrating energy storage systems may jeopardize the power system stability and security of supply.