MANAMA: A regional sustainable energy solutions provider feels its unique solar power purchase agreement (PPA) can be the game-changer in helping Bahrain businesses go green.
With over 200 megawatts of solar projects in the Mena region, including the UAE, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Yellow Door Energy is a major player in the regional sustainable energy business.
Till date, its projects have produced close to 200,000 megawatt-hours of clean energy, equivalent to reducing carbon emission by 120,000 tonnes.
The company’s country director for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Khaled Chebaro told the GDN in an exclusive interview that it offers businesses the opportunity to switch to clean electricity and reduce their energy costs without any upfront investment or operational risk, while maintaining focus on their core business.
“The solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is a long-term contract with a performance guarantee on the solar plant. There is no capital expense. The business owner would pay a monthly solar bill once the solar plant starts generating electricity,” he explained.
The main benefit of a PPA is that it is a performance-based contract, where the risks are taken by the developer, not the business owner. What this means is that Yellow Door Energy takes the responsibility for financing, designing, building, commissioning, operating and maintaining the solar plant for the project.
“To complement our solar PPA, we also offer a ‘shared energy savings contract’, which helps businesses reduce energy consumption to become as energy efficient as possible.”
The firm is currently working with over 50 different customers, among them Nestle, Unilever and United Foods. Its local customers are Mondelez Bahrain Biscuits, Imerys Al Zayani, and the Bahrain Mall, operated by Carrefour Bahrain, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim.
Yellow Door Energy does not see major challenges in expanding its base in the country, taking confidence not just from the year-round sunshine and a government system that is strong, resilient and forward-thinking, but also the overarching Economic Vision 2030 and the kingdom’s commitment to become net zero carbon emissions by 2060.
“We strongly applaud and appreciate the kingdom’s ambitious goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060. This shows a clear vision and commitment towards a cleaner, more sustainable world.
“In Bahrain, we also benefit from favourable energy regulations and most importantly, a highly talented and motivated workforce. Our company continues to invest in projects in Bahrain and employ new colleagues, many of whom are Bahrainis,” the official added.
Asked to comment on wider expansion plans, Mr Chebaro said, “As an adaptable and agile organisation, Yellow Door Energy constantly assesses new markets and new product opportunities. At the end of the day, we want to provide energy solutions that are affordable, reliable and green.”
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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