A landmark proposal to instal solar panels on the rooftops of municipal buildings and facilities in the Capital Governorate has been unanimously approved by the Capital Trustees Board.
The proposal, submitted by services and public utilities committee chairman Mohammed Tawfiq Al Abbas, is aimed at cutting costs and reducing emissions.
Mr Al Abbas described the approval as a ‘forward-looking investment’ aligned with both national sustainability goals and global trends towards renewable energy.
“This decision reflects our commitment to adopting practical and responsible solutions that serve both the environment and public finances,” he said. “Bahrain enjoys abundant sunlight throughout the year, and it is only logical that we harness this natural advantage to power our facilities.”
The project will involve installing solar panel systems on selected council buildings to generate clean electricity, reduce dependence on the public grid and enhance energy efficiency.
According to Mr Al Abbas, the initiative aims to provide a sustainable source of power for council operations while significantly reducing annual electricity bills in the medium and long term.
“Lower operational costs mean greater flexibility to redirect savings towards community services and development projects within the Capital Governorate,” he said.
He added that the project would contribute directly to reducing carbon emissions and limiting the environmental impact associated with conventional energy sources.
“It also supports urban sustainability and strengthens our role as a responsible public institution,” he added.
Financial, administrative and legislative committee chairwoman Huda Sultan confirmed that the proposal underwent financial and technical scrutiny before receiving the board’s approval.
“We reviewed the estimated costs, potential savings and regulatory considerations to ensure the project delivers tangible economic and environmental returns,” she explained.
“The board’s approval reflects confidence in the feasibility of the initiative and its alignment with national strategies supporting renewable energy and sustainable development.”
Ms Sultan further noted that detailed technical assessments would be conducted to identify the most suitable buildings and facilities for installation, followed by a phased implementation plan to maximise efficiency and returns.
Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the initiative is also expected to promote a broader culture of renewable energy adoption within municipal institutions and the local community, reinforcing the council’s image as ‘a leader in sustainable development’.
“The move signals a growing determination among municipal bodies to integrate smart, future-focused solutions into everyday operations,” he added.
“With approval now secured, the Capital Trustees Board is set to transform its rooftops into clean energy assets, turning sunlight into savings while contributing to Bahrain’s long-term environmental ambitions.”
The proposal has been forwarded to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak for review.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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