A landmark draft law aimed at regulating Bahrain’s renewable energy sector, encouraging clean energy production and supporting the kingdom’s goal of carbon neutrality is set to be debated by the Shura Council during its weekly session on Sunday.
The 20-article Renewable Energy Law has been proposed by five chamber members led by services committee vice-chairman Talal Al Mannai.
It seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework to promote renewable energy generation, regulate its integration into the national grid and provide incentives for investment in the sector.
The law would give renewable energy producers the right to use generated power for personal consumption and to sell surplus electricity to the national grid.
Violators would face fines of up to BD10,000, with them also requiring to remove violations at their own expense.
Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) employees will be granted judicial authority to investigate infractions related to renewable energy operations.
The public utilities and environment affairs committee has recommended the approval of the draft legislation.
“The proposed law represents a decisive move towards energy diversification and sustainability,” said Mr Al Mannai.
Mr Al Mannai
“It aims to create a legal structure that enables individuals, investors and the private sector to actively contribute to Bahrain’s clean energy future. We are sending a clear message: Bahrain is serious about investing in renewable energy for generations to come.”
According to the committee’s report, the bill would exempt all renewable energy systems, devices and production inputs from Customs duties, providing a strong financial incentive for companies and individuals to adopt clean energy technologies.
Meanwhile, committee chairman Dr Mohammed Hassan noted that the draft law supports the kingdom’s broader environmental policies and constitutional principles related to protecting natural resources.
“The proposal is perfectly aligned with Article 9 of the Constitution, which mandates the state to safeguard the environment and preserve biodiversity,” he said.
“It creates the legal foundation needed to expand renewable energy projects while protecting the national electricity grid’s stability and ensuring technical compliance.”
Under the draft law, the EWA will oversee the process of connecting renewable energy production units, such as solar or wind installations, to the electricity distribution network.
Producers will be required to obtain prior approval from the authority and adhere to technical and safety standards to ensure grid stability.
The bill also allows the Electricity and Water Affairs Minister, based on EWA’s recommendation, to determine and amend the terms and conditions for grid connection, including pricing for connection services and procedures for exporting excess energy back to the grid.
“The proposal strikes a balance between encouraging investment and maintaining regulatory oversight,” Dr Hassan added.
“It gives flexibility to the executive authority to issue detailed regulations, ensuring smooth implementation while maintaining environmental and safety standards.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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