Dhahran, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Aramco renewable storage technology has reached a global milestone as the company became the first worldwide to deploy a megawatt-scale flow battery system to power gas production operations.
The battery, installed in Waad Al Shamal in northwest Saudi Arabia, uses patented Saudi Aramco technology developed in partnership with Rongke Power, a global leader in flow battery innovation. The one-megawatt/hour iron-vanadium battery is designed to provide solar backup technology for remote gas wells and withstands high-temperature climates without thermal management systems.
This flow battery for gas wells supports up to five wells over its 25-year lifespan. According to Aramco, it delivers a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to current solar energy solutions. It also provides stable, fire-resistant storage and enables repeated charging cycles with minimal capacity loss.
Senior Vice President of Technical Oversight Ali Al-Meshari said the Saudi Aramco renewable storage platform reflects the company’s push to innovate for cleaner energy. While Aramco already equips remote wells with lead-acid battery systems and solar panels, the new system offers higher resilience and performance.
Unlike conventional batteries, flow batteries store energy in separate electrolyte solutions and convert chemical energy to electricity on demand. This reduces fire risk and allows easier, lower-cost maintenance. Its modular design improves operational flexibility in harsh and remote environments.
The new technology aligns with Saudi Aramco’s net-zero energy strategy to cut emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 operations by 2050. The battery’s reduced vanadium usage, wide temperature tolerance, and fluid-electrolyte architecture support its use in future oil and gas infrastructure. As a result, it marks a key advancement in energy storage innovation in Saudi Arabia and contributes to Vision 2030 energy transition goals.
