LANGUAGE:
EN CN
RU
Saudi Arabia achieves black start of 500MW energy storage station for the first time

On February 9, 2026, the 500 MW/2 GWh energy storage project in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, supplied by NR Electric, successfully completed its black start test in one go. This achievement set a new global record for the largest capacity energy storage power station to perform a black start on the grid.

image.png

Group Photo at the Project Site

This test is Saudi Arabia's first 500MW black start test. As a critical project of Saudi Arabia's energy transition, it validated the capability to rapidly restore power supply from energy storage stations under complete grid blackout conditions. This landmark test underscores the critical value of grid-forming energy storage technology in ensuring grid resilience and energy security, while also demonstrating the stable voltage-source characteristics throughout the entire process of NR Electric's grid-forming PCS.

This project employs NR's 3S (PCS+PMS+EMS) integrated solution on the AC side, incorporating nearly 500 PCS units. It delivers grid-forming capabilities including power regulation, primary frequency regulation, dynamic voltage regulation, black start capability, and strong/weak grid self-adaptation. The black start test successfully start the generator set in a single attempt, leveraging energy storage at Bisha Station and spanning multiple voltage levels including 0.69kV, 33kV, 132kV, and 380kV.

image.png

MV Skid

image.png

Energy Storage Zone

NR Electric is committed to shaping new energy power systems and supporting the smooth transition of traditional power systems to new power systems through grid-forming technology based on ideal synchronous power sources. As a global leader in grid-forming energy storage technology, NR Electric has pioneered the forward-thinking concept of “creating ideal synchronous power sources based on energy storage.” We have launched the “NR-ISGrid” series of solutions, encompassing grid-forming energy storage, grid-forming HVDC, grid-forming STATCOM, and static synchronous compensators, among other products. NR Electric will continuously contribute to the safe and stable operation of global power systems and the construction of new power systems.


Back to list

© Copyright NR Electric Co., Ltd.
All Rights Reserved.

About us Service & Support Company Training Contact Us

Solutions Power Generation Transmission System Distribution Network Industrial Consumer

Products Protection,Automation&Control FACTS HVDC Renewable & Microgrid