A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed for the largest rooftop solar energy project in Bahrain, with a capacity of 100 megawatts.
It was signed between the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) and Bahrain Steel, a leading producer and global supplier of high-grade iron-ore pellets.
EWA President Kamal Ahmed commended Bahrain Steel’s investment and underscored the significance of the project in diversifying Bahrain’s energy sources.
The MoU will also play an important role in adapting to climate change challenges and protecting Bahrain’s environment and natural resources, he said.
Mr Ahmed noted that this project is among the many milestones of Bahrain’s Energy Transition Plan and will contribute to the government’s goal to depend on renewable energy sources for five per cent of the kingdom’s electricity production by 2025, increasing to 20pc by 2035.
He said that Bahrain Steel’s solar energy project will be distributed through seven connection points in EWA’s network. It will rely on EWA’s net metering, a policy that allows consumers to generate their power from renewable energy and feed the excess power into the national grid.
Smart meters will be installed to accurately measure electricity production and consumption. The solar panels will be set up within the boundaries and surfaces of Bahrain Steel. The total capacity of the photovoltaic energy system is expected to reach 100MW, with the panels installed in three stages within the next three years.
Mr Ahmed also explained that approximately 167,000 megawatt-hours of solar energy will be produced annually from the project, which is 41pc of the company’s consumption. This will contribute to reducing carbon emissions annually and support achieving net zero by 2060.
Bahrain Steel chairman Meshary Al Judaimi emphasised the importance of adopting transformative initiatives that will contribute to establishing a greener and more sustainable future.
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