A major new joint venture has been announced in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector, as Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd., a global leader in energy storage solutions, teams up with the Saudi-owned firm, MANAT. The partnership, unveiled at the Solar & Storage Live KSA event, will see the two companies work together under the banner of a new entity called Hithium MANAT. The venture aims to bolster the local energy storage market while establishing one of the first large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia.
The new plant, which will have a production capacity of 5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually, is set to play a crucial role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This ambitious plan aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and reduce its dependency on oil, focusing on sustainable energy as a key area for growth.
Hithium MANAT’s advanced manufacturing facility will not only enhance the Kingdom’s clean energy infrastructure but also create local employment opportunities and promote technological innovation in the region.
At the event, Hithium also revealed its latest breakthrough in energy storage: systems designed specifically for desert environments. These cutting-edge solutions boast advanced sandstorm protection, as well as resilience to extreme high and low temperatures, ensuring stable performance even in the harsh conditions of the Middle East and Africa. With an ultra-long discharge cycle of more than 12 hours, the new product line is seen as a game-changer for renewable energy in the region.
Eng. Nabilah AlTunisi, founder of MANAT and a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector, spoke at the event. She emphasised the significance of the partnership and the positive impact it will have on the Kingdom’s energy landscape. “Today marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s energy journey,” AlTunisi said. “The development of one of the first advanced BESS manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region underscores this commitment. This strategic alliance will not only provide access to world-class energy storage technology but also generate local employment opportunities, stimulate technological innovation, and actively contribute to realising the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. Together, we’re ensuring Saudi Arabia maintains its leadership position in the global energy transition.”
Sean Sun, General Manager of Hithium’s Middle East and Africa region, highlighted the company’s dedication to supporting the Kingdom’s energy goals. “Our partnership with MANAT underscores Hithium’s commitment to nurturing strong local relationships and advancing the region’s long-term development goals,” he said. “By establishing this subsidiary and investing in a local BESS factory, we are not only expanding our global footprint but also directly contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. ‘Local for Local’ is our promise to foster local energy storage growth.”
The announcement reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to position itself as a leader in the global energy transition. With both companies focusing on sustainable, scalable solutions for the region, Hithium MANAT is set to play a crucial role in the future of renewable energy and energy storage in Saudi Arabia and beyond.