Can battery energy storage system (BESS) technology be used in the UAE?

Trowers & Hamlins lawyer Shaun Hardiman discusses the potential of battery energy storage system (BESS) technology in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its ongoing and growing impact on the energy sector.

What is a Bess project in the UAE?

The UAE is focusing on renewable energy production, for example in its solar PV IPPs, across the Emirates. BESS projects have the potential to tie neatly into solar energy projects. For example, BESS projects can help to conserve energy generated during the day which can be used during 'down periods' at night.

Is Bess a good energy storage solution?

One of the persistent problems with BESS as an energy storage solution has been the issue of energy leakage, which reduces end yield. This has reduced to widespread adoption of the BESS technology systems globally. Positively, advances have been made in this regard.

What's going on with Bess & al-AJBAN solar projects?

The BESS project is being procured separately to EWEC's 1,500 MW photovoltaic (PV) Al-Ajban solar IPP (PV3) project, which currently under tender. Both projects show the UAE's continued commitment towards solar and renewable energies amid a rising global interest in BESS technology.

Which countries will benefit from a Bess project?

One example is Jordan, which is set to benefit after an agreement was outlined to develop a 1GW wind project using BESS. In the UAE, two 150MW BESS facilities are being built in Abu Dhabi, which would be the largest facilities of their kind in the region.

What is a Bess project?

BESS projects have the potential to tie neatly into solar energy projects. For example, BESS projects can help to conserve energy generated during the day which can be used during 'down periods' at night. However, this technology is not without its challenges.