Bahrain's solar future just got brighter

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has already punched above its weight economically when it comes to the question of utilising renewable resources.

Solar One, Bahrain’s first solar panel company, which has already contributed over two megawatts of solar to the Kingdom’s energy mix, stands testament to this success. The project realised in 2017 was just the beginning of the sea of changes to follow.

From that humble beginning, Bahrain’s renewable journey has progressed a lot and is further accelerating to bring carbon emissions to net zero by 2060 The latest in this journey is a decision to develop 72 MWac, rooftop, grid-tied solar PV power plants and EV charging stations in Sakhir.

Israeli solar projects

The decision also follows an announcement by two Israeli companies that they are launching renewable energy projects in Bahrain and six other Arab countries. Reports say Enlight Renewable Energy and NewMed Energy will set up, develop, finance, and operate projects in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt.

The projects will focus on solar and wind power production and energy storage. The 72 MWac project, however, will be solar, according to a tender launched offering a 20- year contract by the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs. Both local and international players could participate in the BOOM (build, own, operate, and maintain) project.

However, the primary bidder of an individual company or a consortium must be a local company (including GCC) and registered in Bahrain or GCC countries. Bahrain International Circuit, University of Bahrain, Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre, and Al Dana Amphitheatre will benefit from the project.

Who are eligible to participate?

Those who have commissioned at least ten grid-tied solar PV projects on a turnkey basis (out of which at least five are Solar PV car park projects) in the last three Years (2019 - 2021) in any country globally are eligible.

Besides, they should have commissioned at least 40 MWac grid-tied solar PV projects on a turnkey basis in the last 3 Years (2019 - 2021) in any country globally. Yasser bin Ebrahim Humaidan, Bahrain’s Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, said, “The launch of this tender comes as part of the Kingdom’s wider vision to adopt a circular carbon economy, with the aim to bring carbon emissions in Bahrain to net zero by 2060 in line with its national commitments to protect the environment and combat climate change.

“As affirmed in the National Economic Recovery Plan, Bahrain aims to achieve sustainable economic development that serves future generations.”

The Kingdom’s Economic Recovery Plan catalyses over US$30 billion of investments in strategic projects, creating new investment opportunities in infrastructure and priority sectors across the Kingdom.

In planning these strategic projects, Bahrain is committed to the best international standards necessary to ensure minimal environmental impact.