Bahrain’s solar future just got brighter | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahrain’s solar future just got brighter | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

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. 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.