Betting big on green power

The Kingdom has ambitious plans to explore renewable sources to meet the energy requirements in the future, said Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza yesterday, during a briefing with members of the media. The minister’s statement comes in line with the Economic Vision 2030, which gives maximum importance to exploring renewable sources of energy. “There is considerable potential for undertaking energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in Bahrain, which will extend the lifetime of oil and gas reserves, and enable long-term sustainable development,” he said.

“Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 puts special emphasis on providing incentives for reducing and managing electricity demand, and investing in clean energy technologies; promoting energy efficiency standards to ensure sustainability; and ensuring better energy and water demand management.” “We are betting big on green power and of them exploring solar energy remains the top priority. Thirteen companies have been tasked with installing solar panels across the country.

“A comprehensive plan is in place. All bridges, government and private buildings will have solar panels installed, which will boost the Kingdom’s energy security plan.” Dr Mirza said that, as of now, the BDF and King Hamad Hospital obtains nearly 40 per cent of its energy requirements from solar panels. “There are plans to introduce laws that would ensure that all home appliances sold in the Kingdom are energy saving. This would be particularly applicable for air-conditioners.” The minister said that a National Action Plan has been devised for the conservation of energy and a blueprint is ready in this regard. Dr Mirza also highlighted the significance of water and energy conservation.

“The Electricity and Water Authority is carrying out many awareness campaigns to alert the public on conservation of water and power.” The Kingdom was one of the first countries to install utility-scale wind turbines on a new commercial development, the iconic World Trade Center in 2008; and Bahrain was the first country in the GCC to have a district cooling system. There are already several private sector renewable energy systems in operation; and a number of initiatives are underway to facilitate more efficient energy use.

All plans proposed by the EWA align closely with the framework of the UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Energy for All Initiative that supports universal access to modern energy services, acceleration in energy efficiency improvements, and the increased use of renewable energy in the energy mix.