Technological innovations for a sustainable future: The case of Bahrain

The key indicators for energy use in Bahrain reveal the imperative to make a transition to low carbon economy to cope with climate change risks. Specifically, Bahrain has a sound industrial infrastructure in terms of oil and gas as reflected in its high capacity to refine oil and its gas production grows at about 4% per year in the last decade. The dependence of Bahrain on fossil oil is evident as 33% of its natural gas is used for electricity generation and 27% for aluminum production. As documented in the UN report on climate change, the annual greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from the energy sector are projected to increase to about 46 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030, an increase of over 37 million tonnes from levels in the year 2000, or a growth rate of about 5.6% per year. Average annual per capita electricity consumption amounts to about 12.8MWh/capita which is a high figure compared to global standards. The transport sector is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), accounting for about 18% of energy sector emissions throughout the period through 2030. 

Bahrain represents a good example of a transformative society since it was able to make a shift from natural resources-based economy (pearl and fishing) to oil-based economy in the early 1930s and to knowledge and innovation economy. In essence, renewable energy is likely to change the energy mix if an innovative business model is in place to harness the immense annual solar radiation available which amounts to about 2600 kWh/m2/year which can provide about 3 times current national electric generation levels. An innovation policy to invest in innovation labs for energy efficiency, green transport, green construction, smart cities, self-drive cars, and green energy can shape a new outlook in economy and ecology. Also, technological innovation in the nexus of water, energy, and food offer new solutions in resource management. 

Climate change risks and the fluctuations in oil prices justify the transition to renewable energy. Such a transition requires technology needs assessment and a new orientation in technology and innovation policy. Also, there is a needs for a thorough review of technology audit, foresight, and readiness level to acquire appropriate green technology. To cope with fluctuation in oil prices, it is imperative for Bahrain and GCC countries to embark on a strategy to diversify its economy and enhance the role of private sector and SMEs in development. However, ecological modernization is feasible with clear and fair subsidy policy and market-oriented policies. Innovation and technology policy should consider the adoption of green technologies and best practices such as solar thermal technologies, green building, advanced natural gas combined cycle technology, efficient air conditioning, compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), and solar hot water heaters. 

“Small is beautiful” characterizes the thinking of the environmental discourse which calls for appropriate local solutions for global challenges. Technological innovation in green technology to address climate change is not only beautiful but also appropriate and rational. 

The author is Head of Innovation and Technology  Management, Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain.