BAHRAIN has set a new milestone, by meeting its renewable energy goal of 250 megawatts (MW) four years ahead of schedule.
The country was on track to meet the target by 2025 but as of yesterday, 258MW of solar capacity was in place, Sustainable Energy Authority president Dr Abdulhussain Mirza confirmed to the GDN.
This comes as two tenders to install and operate 7.5 Mwac (mega-watt, alternating current) grid-tied solar panels (to generate electricity from sunlight) were finalised yesterday.
The GDN reported last week that the bids were due to close on Wednesday for the installation of power plants on the rooftops and carparks of the ministries of Education, and Labour and Social Development.
Dr Mirza
“I am pleased to report that as of today, we have these solar projects totalling 258MW, all of which have been approved and some of which have already been implemented,” said Dr Mirza.
“These approved projects represent more than 100 per cent of the national target of 250MW by 2025, and we have another four years to implement the ones that have not yet been implemented.
“Therefore, we are confident that we will meet, if not exceed, the national target.”
Bahrain currently produces more than 237MW of green energy, including from some of these completed projects.
The major projects listed as contributors to the national goal are: A solar power plant producing 100MW, government buildings with 50MW and single entities like Bahrain University and the new exhibition centre in Sakhir, each producing 15MW.
The others are Electricity and Water Authority (5MW), Bahrain Mall (6.2MW), Dar Aqua (1.25MW), Awali Project (5MW), Batelco (1MW), Seef Mall (5MW), Edama-Sitra Mall (3MW), St Christopher’s School (1.25MW), Bahrain International Circuit (3.5MW), King Hamad University Hospital (4MW), Tatweer Petroleum Company (4MW), Al Eman Schools (4MW), King Abdulla Medical City (6MW), General Sports Authority (8MW), American Mission Hospital (1MW), Avenues Mall (254KW), BDF Hospital (532KW), Shaikha Mousa School (1MW), Gulf Aviation Academy (400KW), Infinity car showroom (346KW), Cargo Village, Bahrain Airport Company (2MW), Alba (5MW) and Dragon City (10MW).
Dr Mirza added that the achievement is a ‘big leap’ towards Bahrain’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2060.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, announced the commitment last month at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow.
Other targets include quadrupling mangroves, reducing emissions by 35pc by 2035, doubling plantations, and tripling renewable energy targets.
“This achievement reflects the kingdom’s proactive approach towards its commitment to the goals that are critical to life and living in the larger context,” said Dr Mirza.
“I consider the achievement a big leap towards the nation’s pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060 – which is important to humanity in terms of combating climate change and protecting the environment.
“With the support of political leadership and the co-operation of all stakeholders, we have achieved the target in four years – half of the time that we had set and I am excited to see what the future holds, which I am sure is going to be greener and brighter for Bahrain.”
The GDN reported earlier this month that the solar projects in the country were proof to Bahrain’s increased pace of utilisation of solar energy.
It was also highlighted in the past (June) that solar panels on ministry buildings and schools, will contribute to slash utility bills with savings of 30pc for electricity per unit.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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