Eco-friendly push for clean energy

TDT | Manama

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A new energy transition plan drawn up by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) aims to cut natural gas use by more than 30 per cent and meet over 45 per cent of the country’s power demand from clean sources by 2040, even as electricity consumption is expected to rise by about 40 per cent to around 28 terawatt-hours in the same year.

The Authority says the plan, completed in November 2023, is a roadmap for moving from fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy sources.

It places strong weight on security of supply, a wider mix of energy sources, lower carbon emissions and cost control through higher efficiency in power generation, while setting out how rising demand is expected to be covered up to 2040. Carbon emissions.

By 2035, the project is intended to reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent and ensure that at least 20 per cent of energy comes from clean sources, as part of a wider strategy for renewable power.

The plan ties these targets to Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and to national goals linked to sustainable development.

According to figures published by the Authority, 323 renewable energy projects have already been completed and work is in progress on a further 47. Together, these schemes have reduced annual carbon emissions by about 75,000 tonnes.

Renewable capacity

More than 65 megawatts of renewable capacity are in operation, alongside over 90 megawatts of centralised renewable power, with further increases planned under the National Renewable Energy Action Plan and the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

A key plank of the programme is the Net Metering / Net Billing system, which allows customers to generate electricity from solar panels and export surplus power to the national grid.

The Authority is extending this scheme across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors to widen distributed generation and help meet national clean energy targets.

All related services have been moved onto the ‘Benayat’ platform, so applications for solar projects and other services are now handled electronically.

Technical support

The Authority lists more than 90 certified consultants and over 50 certified contractors for solar-powered electricity systems, providing technical support for new rooftop and other installations.

The Authority states that switching to solar power can lower electricity bills by covering part of consumption with on-site generation, while also reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping to keep the environment cleaner.

It adds that solar systems can provide a steady and locally generated source of power for homes and businesses.

In its public statements, the Electricity and Water Authority presents the Energy Transition Plan, together with solar and digital projects, as the means to expand clean energy, manage rising demand and cut emissions in line with Bahrain’s stated environmental and economic targets.