Iraq ouagadougou new energy battery storage

Are batteries gaining traction in MENA?

Electrochemical energy storage, or batteries, are gaining traction in MENA, where out of the total on-grid ESS projects, 80% are of the battery type. However, this share constitutes only 7% of the operational ESS energy, equivalent to 677 MWh, the bulk of which is installed in the UAE.

Which country has the most battery storage capacity in MENA?

Currently, NaS battery technology dominates the battery storage capacity in operation in MENA, particularly in the UAE, with a total of 108 MW/648 MWh projects developed by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA).

How has the turmoil impacted Iraq's power infrastructure?

But the turmoil has also undermined the country’s ability to maintain and invest in its power infrastructure. This report maps out immediate practical actions and medium-term measures to tackle the most pressing problems in Iraq’s electricity sector.

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.

How has Iraq's energy system changed over the years?

This has introduced a number of vulnerabilities to Iraq’s energy system. For example, payment issues last summer led to Iran cutting exports, significantly exacerbating electricity shortages in Iraq during peak seasonal demand. As oil production has soared, so has the amount of associated gas produced alongside.

Why is Iraq's energy system vulnerable?

However the capacity to capture and process this gas has not kept pace. The inability to utilise its gas riches means that the country's gas deficit has grown, and Iraq now relies on imports from Iran to meet increasing demand. This has introduced a number of vulnerabilities to Iraq’s energy system.