World’s Largest Solar Microgrid coming to Saudi’s Red Sea

Written by
27 Aug 2024
World’s Largest Solar Microgrid coming to Saudi’s Red Sea

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Project will feature the world's largest solar microgrid, powered by Huawei's renewable technology. The microgrid will consist of a 400MW solar PV system, paired with a 1.3GWh energy storage system. These components will ensure a stable and reliable power supply, independent of any external grid.

Saudi Arabia is building the world's largest solar microgrid for The Red Sea Project on its Red Sea coast. Supported by Huawei, this project aims to revolutionise energy generation and consumption in the area.

The Red Sea Project: An Overview

The Red Sea Project spans 28,000 square kilometres along Saudi Arabia's southwestern coast, in Tabuk Province, near the Red Sea. Set to finish by 2030, it aims to create a huge luxury, eco-friendly tourist spot. The plan includes 50 hotels with 8,000 rooms and over 1,000 homes across 22 islands and six inland sites. It will welcome up to one million visitors each year, using clean energy.

Huawei's Role in the Solar Microgrid

Huawei leads the development of the Solar Microgrid for The Red Sea Project. The microgrid will rely solely on renewable energy. This makes it a key component in achieving the project's sustainability goals. The microgrid will consist of a 400MW solar PV system, paired with a 1.3GWh energy storage system. These components will ensure a stable and reliable power supply, independent of any external grid.

Alex Xing, president of Huawei Digital Power for the Middle East and Central Asia, stressed this project's importance. It will help set a global standard for sustainable development. Xing mentioned how "the destination is poised to be the world’s first fully clean energy-powered destination, and Huawei is honoured to participate in this project and help Saudi Arabia build a greener and better future through technological innovation."

The Technology Behind the Solar Microgrid

The Red Sea Project will use Huawei’s FusionSolar Smart String Energy Storage Solution (ESS). This technology enables it to meet power needs independently. Solar and wind energy are variable, making reliable storage essential. Huawei's ESS solutions will ensure the Solar Microgrid runs efficiently and sustainably.

Microgrids, such as the one at The Red Sea Project, are common. Yet, this one stands out. It runs solely on renewable energy and is off-grid. Thanks to Huawei's skills in digital tech and power electronics, it achieves stability. The company uses virtual synchronising machines to maintain balance and prevent outages.

Huawei's Commitment to Sustainability

Huawei's role in The Red Sea Project reflects its commitment to sustainability. Xing noted the project showcases Huawei's top innovation and technology. The company sees it as a model for future sustainable cities and eco-friendly urban planning. Moreover, Huawei aims to lead in creating a greener world, one solar microgrid at a time.

Global Impact of Huawei's Renewable Energy Projects

The Red Sea Project is Huawei's flagship initiative. But the company is also active in many solar projects globally. These range from large plants to smaller commercial and industrial (C&I) setups. Huawei's solutions, including smart string and grid-forming ESS, improve power grids. They help integrate renewable energy and tackle related challenges.

In Dubai, Huawei set up a 25.8MW program for the Global Port Group. In China, it teamed up with China Resources Power to launch the first grid-forming battery storage system. Meanwhile, in Thailand, Huawei constructed Asia-Pacific’s largest combined PV and ESS plant at Mahidol University. This plant includes a 12MW PV system and a 600kWh ESS.

Huawei's projects highlight its global presence and commitment to renewable energy. Alex Xing mentioned that Huawei uses IoT, big data, AI, and other ICT solutions to boost operations and automate fault diagnosis in smart power plants.

Focus on Renewables and Future Goals

Huawei aims to lead the shift to a low-carbon future. It combines technologies to develop new infrastructure for power systems, EVs, and the digital sector.

By 2023's end, Huawei Digital Power had generated nearly 1 trillion kWh of green power and saved 46.1 billion kWh. This cut CO2 emissions by 495 million tons, akin to planting 680 million trees. Huawei’s dedication to sustainability was further highlighted by the launch of the Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) at the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam. Developed in collaboration with ecosystem partners, IDS addresses key challenges in the electric power industry. These include issues such as high line loss and unreliable service.

In 2023, Huawei made major progress in smart PVs and liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging technologies. Its digital power business earned ¥52.6 billion ($7.42 billion), a 3.5% rise from the previous year.

Huawei's Global Leadership in Solar PV Inverters

In 2022, Huawei topped the solar PV inverter market, according to Wood Mackenzie. It captured 29% of the market. Moreover, its shipments surged by 83% from 2021. This highlights Huawei's growing impact on renewable energy.

Alex Xing expressed the importance of digital energy in achieving global carbon neutrality goals. "Global nations’ goals to achieve carbon neutrality are driving a profound transformation in society and the economy. Achieving these objectives requires a robust energy infrastructure that powers decarbonization, electrification, digitalisation, and intelligence," Xing concluded.

A Greener Future with Huawei and The Red Sea Project

Huawei's solar microgrid for The Red Sea Project isn't just a tech success; it signals a move towards sustainability. As Saudi Arabia aims for a greener economy, such projects are vital. They help cut carbon emissions and boost renewable energy. Leading this change, Huawei leverages its technological know-how to craft solutions for a greener future.

 

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Energy & Utilities - Middle East and Africa Market Outlook Report 2024.

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