Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday attended the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the Al Dur Solar Power Plant project.
The project is being implemented by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) as part of its key initiatives in support of the kingdom’s energy transition pathway.
Shaikh Khalid said that the kingdom continues to implement high-quality strategic projects across vital infrastructure sectors.
He noted that these projects enhance the competitiveness of the national economy, support resource sustainability and raise the efficiency and quality of services.
The Deputy Premier added that this approach aligns with the objectives of the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He said that investment in advanced technologies is a key pillar in developing modern infrastructure, particularly in sectors related to supply security and service continuity.
Shaikh Khalid noted that this includes integrating solar energy solutions into electricity generation to diversify sources, strengthening grid resilience and achieving environmental and economic benefits.
This is in line with the Government Programme 2023-2026, which supports the use of renewable energy.
Shaikh Khalid said that the project is an important addition to efforts to develop the energy sector, as it not only provides new renewable generation capacity but also supports the national plan to gradually increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix to 20 per cent by 2035, in line with the National Renewable Energy Plan.
He noted that this contributes to energy security, diversification of energy sources, encourages investment and creates job opportunities in renewable energy industries.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that establishing the Al Dur plant as one of the large-scale solar power stations, and connecting it directly to the electricity grid, reflects the kingdom’s direction towards implementing centralised generation projects capable of contributing tangible quantities to the electricity system.
Shaikh Khalid commended the contribution of private sector institutions, alongside government efforts, in implementing distributed solar energy projects.
He noted that this integration of roles supports the achievement of national renewable energy objectives and underscores the importance of partnership among all stakeholders involved in developing this sector.
The Deputy Prime Minister thanked EWA president Kamal Ahmed, all EWA personnel and all relevant entities for their efforts in following up on this vital project.
Mr Ahmed thanked His Majesty and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their continuous support, enabling the authority to implement its strategic projects efficiently and enhance the reliability and sustainability of its services.
He also thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for laying the foundation stone for the project and commended his interest in key projects, his follow-up and his support for co-ordination among relevant entities through the ministerial committee for development and infrastructure projects.
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