KAUST Identifies Top 10 Sites for Solar and Wind Energy Storage in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, February 3, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has identified the top 10 recommended locations for solar and wind energy storage in Saudi Arabia, a significant step toward achieving the Kingdom’s renewable energy goals under Vision 2030.
The study highlights how integrating solar and wind power can accelerate the transition to renewable energy, enhance water resource management, and strengthen food security. The Kingdom, with immense solar and wind energy potential, aims to generate at least half of its electricity capacity from renewable sources, a shift that requires major advancements in energy storage solutions.
Addressing Energy Storage Challenges
The study, led by Professor Yoshihide Wada, underscores the importance of efficient energy storage to ensure stability in power supply.
"The main challenge lies in storing energy for use during peak demand periods," Professor Wada explained. He noted that electricity consumption fluctuates significantly between winter and summer, requiring seasonal storage solutions that allow energy collected in cooler months to be used during extreme summer heat.
Exploring Seasonal Pumped Hydro Storage
One of the key solutions being explored is seasonal pumped hydro storage, where desalinated water is stored in mountain reservoirs and released on demand to generate electricity and supply water.
While batteries are currently used for daily energy storage, seasonal hydro storage offers a long-term solution for balancing energy supply and demand. However, site development costs can reach $10 billion per location, making careful evaluation crucial.
Site Selection Factors
KAUST researchers considered multiple factors when identifying the top 10 locations, including:
Water evaporation rates
Salinity levels of stored water
Proximity to potential solar and wind power plants
Advancing Saudi Arabia’s Energy Transformation
By investing in strategic energy storage solutions, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions, particularly as the energy sector accounted for nearly half of the Kingdom’s CO₂ emissions in 2022.
KAUST’s research is expected to guide national energy policies and infrastructure investments, ensuring the Kingdom remains a leader in sustainable energy innovation while aligning with Vision 2030’s renewable energy targets.