ACWA Power signed an MoU with Huawei Digital Power to develop an innovation programme in Saudi Arabia
The joint initiative will aim to drive growth of local industries and expedite decarbonisation targets in the kingdom. It will also focus on developing cutting-edge technology that optimise the efficiency and reduce costs associated with renewable energy projects. By leveraging local expertise and resources, the partnership aims to drive advancements in renewable energy production and energy storage projects.
The collaboration will focus on the design of photovoltaic (PV) strings, maximising solar module capacity while reducing the number of strings required for each project. This innovation will significantly lower the balance of system (BOS) costs, reducing installation and maintenance costs. Additionally, the partnership will explore the implementation of microgrid simulations to optimise performance based on specific energy needs. The development of advanced controllers will improve energy management, load balancing, and grid stability, enabling microgrids to seamlessly adapt to changing conditions. These advancements will increase renewable energy utilisation, promoting a reduced reliance on fossil fuels. ACWA Power will be able to implement these controllers in any project that integrates and hybridises power generation, energy storage, and loads.
Huawei Digital Power is currently collaborating with ACWA Power and Chinese engineering firm SEPCOIII on the development of a 1,300MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) for the Red Sea Project's energy storage facility. This project exemplifies the ongoing collaboration between ACWA Power and Chinese entities, which have played a pivotal role in supporting ACWA Power's growth over the years.
Since 2009, Chinese firms have been integral partners in ACWA Power's business development, strategic procurement, investments, financing, insurance, and project execution. To date, Chinese entities have contributed over US$10bn in equity and financing, as well as over US$26 billion in EPC value and US$5.3bn worth of solar equipment across 47 landmark renewable and seawater desalination projects worldwide.
“Collaboration is a key pillar of our approach to renewable energy development in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the objectives outlined in Vision 2030. This partnership with Huawei not only supports our ambitious renewable energy goals but also contributes to the development of a thriving research and innovation ecosystem locally. By joining forces with one of the world's top digital power companies, we ensure that our projects are optimised to meet the kingdom's renewable energy needs, providing affordable and sustainable power solutions for our communities," said Thomas Altmann, executive vice-president of innovation and new technology at ACWA Power.
“As renewable energy deployment scales up significantly in the kingdom and the wider Gulf region, ACWA Power is taking a step further by enhancing project outputs and addressing cost considerations. We are honoured to work with ACWA Power and contribute to the low-carbon vision and strategy of the kingdom, leveraging our expertise in providing combined digital technology and power generation solutions," added Yao Jiang, president of Huawei ME&CA digital power business department.
