SPPC Releases List of Qualified Bidders for First Group of Battery Storage Projects

Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has announced the prequalification of 33 prominent utility developers for its ambitious 2GW/8GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) tender, marking a significant step towards the kingdom’s renewable energy expansion.

Leading international players, including France’s EDF and Total Energies, Japan’s Marubeni, Sumitomo, and Jera, as well as South Korea’s Samsung, Kepco, Korea Western Power, and Posco, are vying for the project. Acwa Power,TAQA and Masdar represent key regional participants, reflecting strong Middle Eastern involvement.

Chinese developers such as China Energy Overseas Investment Company, Spic Huanghe Hydropower, Jinko Power (Hong Kong), and Southern Power Grid International are also competing for a share in the high-profile tender.

SPPC’s statement revealed that of the 33 prequalified bidders, 21 have applied to deliver both technological solutions and management services, while 12 companies have opted to focus exclusively on asset management.

The first batch of projects includes the 500 MW/4-hour Al-Muwyah BESS site in Makkah province, the 500 MW/4-hour Haden BESS site also in Makkah, the 500 MW/4-hour Al-Khushaybi BESS site in Qassim province, and the 500 MW/4-hour Al-Kahafa BESS site in Hail province.

Winning developers will secure 15-year storage services contracts with SPPC and retain 100 percent ownership of their projects through special purpose vehicle (SPV) entities.

This initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader plan to generate 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. By investing in large-scale battery storage, the kingdom aims to ensure grid stability and energy security as it shifts towards sustainable power generation.

The tender marks a significant step in the region’s clean energy sector, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in renewable energy innovation.