Bahrain to develop 100MW solar power plant
Tendering process to begin in February 2018
According to Bahrain state news agency BNA, the Kingdom is planning to build a 100MW solar power plant in-conjunction with the private sector. Dr. Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs said the project should be ready for operations by the end of 2018.
The report said that companies can submit their proposals during the tendering process, which is expected to begin in February 2018.
The announcement of the power plant is in line with Bahrain’s National Energy Efficiency Plan and the National Renewable Energy Plan, which was introduced by the government in 2016. The plans specify a goal of having 5% of the country’s electricity consumption to come from renewable energy and resources.
The BNA report said that the goal is expected to be fulfilled in 2025, thanks to a number of forthcoming energy and power initiatives that are to be implemented across the kingdom.
Dr. Mirza highlighted the government’s commitment to accelerating development across the energy sector, under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
Earlier in 2017, technical consulting and engineering company CESI was appointed to work with Bahrain’s sustainable energy unit (SEU), to develop regulatory requirements and solar power policies. The SEU’s objectives are to create an efficient and sustainable energy policy, and encourage the use of renewables and raise awareness about energy conservation.
