ELECTRIC buses could be rolled out in Bahrain as the country embarks on an ambitious drive to cut greenhouse emissions by a third in 15 years.
The e-buses will be introduced gradually, but will eventually replace most diesel and polluting vehicles of their kind.
Experts are working on a national strategy for e-vehicles and green buses will be included in the list, environmental veterans told the GDN.
In July, the GDN reported that a committee had been formed to work on the strategy in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) and the Industry, Commerce, and Tourism Ministry.
The move is expected to gain traction with Bahrain pledging to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060 to combat climate change and protect the environment.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, made the announcement last month at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. Other targets include quadrupling mangroves, reducing emissions by 35 per cent by 2035 as well as doubling plantations and renewable energy targets.
Supreme Council for Environment chief executive Dr Mohammed Bin Diana told the GDN that public transportation was a critical component in doubling renewable energy.
Bahrain has set a target of generating 5pc of its power from renewable sources by 2025 and 10pc by 2035.
“We are highly dependent on natural gas now, and we need to double the original target by 2035 – which means nearly 20pc of our energy will come from renewables,” said Dr Bin Daina.
“This will result in significant reductions, and public transportation is one of the main pillars, because it is a major source of emissions.
“So, besides going electric, let us also incentivise people to use public transport, which we believe the metro will do.
“We began (public transportation) with buses, and now we will go to the metro, and then back to the (electric) buses.”
SEA president Dr Abdulhussain Mirza also highlighted that the project was part of the authority’s Energy Efficiency Action Plan (EEAP).
The GDN previously reported that the EEAP, approved by the Cabinet in January 2017, includes 22 initiatives which are expected to save BD230 million in energy costs per year.
“As part of EEAP, Bahrain has approved specifications for electric vehicles,” Dr Mirza told the GDN.
“Currently, SEA is preparing a National Strategy for Electric Vehicles in co-operation with the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry.”
The committee set to work on the strategy has hired a consultant for assessing the market’s readiness for the use of electric vehicles.
The national strategy will detail specifications for e-vehicles, Dr Mirza said.
“There will also be information about charging stations, types of sockets and tariffs.
“Electric vehicles – whether metro, buses, or cars – will ensure energy efficiency and assist Bahrain in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2060.”
The SDGs are 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”.
Intended to be achieved by 2030, the goals are: No poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reducing inequality, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.
In July, the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry had announced new specifications for importing electric cars. The first electric car charging station opened in April at the Atrium Mall in Saar, with plans to set up similar stations across the country.
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