A parliamentary proposal to convert solid waste into electricity has received unanimous support from municipal councillors, marking a significant step towards more sustainable energy solutions in Bahrain.
The initiative, spearheaded by five MPs led by Muneer Suroor and unanimously approved by the Muharraq Municipal Council, comes despite concerns over cost and environmental risks.
The council’s technical committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud, acknowledged the challenges associated with the project but stressed that its benefits far outweighed any drawbacks.
“Yes, the process is complex and requires significant investment, but the long-term advantages make it a worthwhile pursuit,” said Mr Al Oud. “We are talking about reducing landfill waste, generating electricity and opening a new investment sector that could drive economic growth.”
Municipal solid waste, commonly known as rubbish in the United Kingdom, is a waste type consisting of everyday items discarded by the public.
The primary concerns highlighted by the council include:
l High costs of establishing recycling factories and facilities.
l Secondary emissions such as harmful particles and smoke.
l Handling hazardous materials, including toxic and chemical waste.
l The need for advanced technology, which might not be readily available in the market.
l Potential loss of recyclable materials that could be repurposed for industrial use.
Mr Al Oud argued proper regulation, investment in modern technology and adherence to environmental safety standards could mitigate these challenges.
The benefits outlined by the Muharraq Municipal Council include:
l Limiting landfill waste and reducing land reclamation for garbage disposal.
l Diversifying energy sources, making the country less reliant on traditional fuels.
l Promoting eco-friendly sustainable energy solutions.
l Decreasing waste accumulation, leading to cleaner cities.
l Attracting investment in a new sector that could boost the economy.
Mr Al Oud further added the environmental impact, stating that waste-to-energy solutions could help Bahrain keep pace with global trends in renewable energy.
There are number of ways of generating energy from waste. These include combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion and landfill gas recovery.
“This is a long-term solution that aligns with Bahrain’s sustainability goals,” he said.
“Many countries have already implemented similar projects, and we should not be left out.”
Mr Suroor stressed in his written explanation that the proposal aligns with Bahrain’s broader goals of sustainability and environmental conservation.
“This is not just about waste management; it’s about securing a cleaner future,” added Mr Suroor. “By converting solid waste into electricity, we are not only reducing the burden on our landfills but also creating a sustainable energy source that benefits the entire country.
“MPs can work closely with environmental experts, energy specialists and investors to ensure that the transition to waste-to-energy technology is feasible and beneficial for Bahrain.
“If successfully implemented, the initiative could revolutionise waste management in Bahrain, transforming a persistent environmental issue into a valuable resource for the nation’s future.”
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak is awaiting the opinions of the Southern and Northern Municipal Councils and the Capital Trustees Board before referring the proposal to Parliament for review.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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