Why are batteries becoming a preferred energy storage solution in the Middle East?

In the Middle East and African region, the demand for batteries has increased in the Middle East as a preferred energy storage solution primarily due to technological innovation and the reduction of battery costs.

What is Eskom's first battery energy storage system?

December 2022: Eskom, South Africa's principal utility and grid operator, has begun work on its first battery energy storage system (BESS) with Hyosung Heavy Industries. It will generate 8MW of power and store 32MWh of energy, and it will be erected in 7-12 months with a connection to Eskom's Elandskop substation.

Which states are investing in battery energy storage systems?

Other states in the US are also investing in battery energy storage systems with Texas and Arizona set to record the biggest growth, increasing the nation’s battery output 10-fold to 16,000 megawatts. China is also spearheading the charge for BESS.

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.

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).