Beirut Energy Storage Configuration Plan

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.

Why are energy storage systems being integrated in MENA?

The pace of integration of energy storage systems in MENA is driven by three main factors: 1) the technical need associated with the accelerated deployment of renewables, 2) the technological advancements driving ESS cost competitiveness, and 3) the policy support and power markets evolution that incentivizes investments.

Which energy storage technology has the most installed capacity in MENA?

Pumped hydro storage (PHS) has the largest share of installed capacity in MENA at 55%, as compared to a global share of 90%. Pumped hydro storage is one of the oldest energy storage technologies, which explains its dominance in the global ESS market.

Will energy storage expand in MENA?

The current utility business model limits the prospects of energy storage expansion opportunities, unless driven by direct governmental support. Auctions in MENA have been a major driver for renewable energy deployment, most notably for solar and wind, but only a few have included energy storage.

Which country has the most battery storage capacity in MENA?

Currently, NaS battery technology dominates the battery storage capacity in operation in MENA, particularly in the UAE, with a total of 108 MW/648 MWh projects developed by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA).

How do Mena utilities deal with the SBM ineficiency?

To rectify the ineficiencies of the SBM, many MENA utilities have considered privatization or public-private participation through unbundling electricity utilities into distinct generation and distribution companies, while maintaining the transmission network as a separate utility managed by a Transmission System Operator (TSO).