Renewable Energy Certificate scheme launched by SEA

Dr Abdulhussain Ali Mirza, President of the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), has signed a resolution to adopt the programme for “Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)”, which will enter into force after it is published in the Official Gazette.

The RECs will be granted to the owners of eligible solar energy systems, who will be able to register the renewable energy they produce with the Sustainable Energy Authority. The “Renewable Energy Certificates” will be granted to system owners for each MWh produced, offering a reliable means to verify reports and claims relating to the production of renewable energy.

This system will enable users to overcome challenges that may limit their capabilities to benefit from renewable energy such as limited space, shading or other restrictions to installing solar panels such as technical or financial constraints,the system will enable them to invest in sustainable energy projects in exchange for renewable energy certificates.

Dr Mirza stated that the Cabinet approved at it’s meeting held on January 6, 2020, the mandate that authorises him in his capacity as President of the Sustainable Energy Authority to issue a resolution on “Renewable Energy Certificates”. In this regard, Dr Mirza extended his thanks and appreciation to the esteemed Council of Ministers and to the Coordination Committee chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for their keen interest and tireless support and follow-up to launch the “Renewable Energy certificates”.

He added: “This step is considered a pioneering step in promoting sustainable energy use in the Kingdom of Bahrain and clearly reflects the commitment of the wise leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain in encouraging the use of renewable energy and promotion of energy efficiency to ensure the sustainability of the energy sector.”

The “Renewable Energy Certificates” system is also an opportunity for investors and financing institutions to validate investment opportunities, finance sustainable energy projects, and verify the energy produced through a reliable and approved national program and associated tools.