Muscat bastel athens yungang energy storage project

Which utility-scale energy storage options are available in Oman?

Reviewing the status of three utility-scale energy storage options: pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES), compressed air energy storage, and hydrogen storage. Conducting a techno-economic case study on utilising PHES facilities to supply peak demand in Oman.

Can PHES facilities supply peak demand in Oman?

Conducting a techno-economic case study on utilising PHES facilities to supply peak demand in Oman. This manuscript proceeds by reviewing the status of utility-scale energy storage options in Section 2. Section 3 presents the status and main challenges of Oman’s MIS.

Will energy storage expand in MENA?

The current utility business model limits the prospects of energy storage expansion opportunities, unless driven by direct governmental support. Auctions in MENA have been a major driver for renewable energy deployment, most notably for solar and wind, but only a few have included energy storage.

What are energy storage systems (ESS)?

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) play a critical role in the integration of VRE into the power grid, as these systems manage the intermittencies of renewable energy resources and mitigate potential power supply disruptions.

Why are energy storage systems being integrated in MENA?

The pace of integration of energy storage systems in MENA is driven by three main factors: 1) the technical need associated with the accelerated deployment of renewables, 2) the technological advancements driving ESS cost competitiveness, and 3) the policy support and power markets evolution that incentivizes investments.

Is ESS a viable technology in MENA?

With the lack of a long-duration grid-scale ESS to date, ESS is still viewed as an emerging technology in MENA and associated with high technology and financing risks by the private sector. Accordingly, ESS projects might require more equity spending as compared to conventional power and renewables projects for the short to medium term.