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.

Are battery energy storage systems a viable solution?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are one viable solution. An advanced technological solution, they function by storing renewable energy which can then be used when power is required. They help address the challenge of intermittent renewable energy, and provide clean power 24 hours a day, no matter the weather conditions.

What does a Tesla patent mean for energy storage?

The patent supports the pilot project for energy storage that DEWA inaugurated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park using Tesla’s lithium-ion battery solution. The project has a power capacity of 1.21 MW and an energy capacity of 8.61 MWh with a life span of up to 10 years.

Why is energy storage important?

The main challenge is the efficient storage of this energy to ensure it is available when there is no sunlight or in different weather conditions, emphasising the importance of energy storage technologies.

Which country has the largest thermal energy storage capacity in the world?

DEWA has the largest thermal energy storage capacity in the world Reliance on clean and renewable energy sources, especially solar power, is increasing. This is driven by their low cost, in light of the global direction to combat the effects of climate change by reducing gas emissions that cause global warming.

How big is China's energy storage capacity?

China is also spearheading the charge for BESS. In a report by China’s National Energy Administration, the country’s energy storage capacity almost quadrupled in 2023 to reach 31.39 gigawatts (GW).