Renewable energy bill and arbitration court deal up for Shura debate today

TDT | Manama

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Shura members will meet today to debate an amended renewable energy bill that would exempt renewable-energy systems and energy-efficiency equipment from all customs duties.

The session also includes a host country agreement for the Permanent Court of Arbitration and a disputed change to public-sector contract rules for non-Bahrainis.

The renewable energy item comes through a supplementary report by the Public Utilities and Environment Committee on a revised proposal put forward by Talal Al Mannai, Dalal Al Zayed, Dr Mohammed Ali Hassan, Juma Al Kaabi and Ali Al Aradi.

The draft bill is linked to Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and seeks to draw investment into renewables, keep pace with the shift towards cleaner power, and put a legal framework in place for the sector.

Move

It also links the move to cutting electricity use, easing pressure on the grid, and reducing spending by the Electricity and Water Authority.

The committee has backed the proposal after agreeing changes with its sponsors.

It rewrote the definition of the ‘Authority’ so it refers to the body whose name is set by decree. It also added a clause stating that the Civil Code applies where the bill contains no specific provision.

Change

A further change adds a second paragraph to Article 13 stating that “all systems, devices and equipment” linked to renewable energy sources, energy-efficiency measures and their production inputs are exempt from all customs duties.

Also on the agenda is a draft law to ratify a Host Country Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, attached to Decree No 39 of 2025.

The agreement provides for a seat for the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Bahrain, through which international disputes could be handled through arbitration, mediation, conciliation or commissions of inquiry.

Privileges

It also sets out privileges and immunities for the Court’s staff and for those involved in proceedings, including arbitrators, mediators, conciliators and members of commissions of inquiry.

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee has recommended approval.

In its report, it says the agreement would strengthen Bahrain’s standing as a centre for administering arbitration, mediation and conciliation work overseen by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Proceedings

It adds that holding proceedings in Bahrain would reduce travel and administrative burdens for parties and cut costs linked to running cases outside the Kingdom or the region.

Members will also discuss a report from the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee on a proposed amendment to Article 11 of the Civil Service Law of 2010, prepared after the Council of Representatives sent the draft back in an amended form.

The proposal would require non-Bahrainis hired on contract in public posts to hold at least a master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification, have ten years’ experience in the same field, and be hired for no more than two years.

Requirements

Renewals would be limited to one further term of the same length, after checking that no Bahraini candidate meeting the post’s requirements is available. The Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has recommended rejecting the draft, saying the Civil Service Law and its executive regulations already cover these conditions.

It also points to Article 16 of the Constitution, which states that Bahrainis should hold public office, with non-Bahrainis appointed only in cases set by law.