Shura Council Approves Renewable Energy Law Proposal

The Shura Council has approved a proposed law aimed at creating a comprehensive framework to regulate the renewable energy sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The proposal seeks to boost clean energy production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Under the draft law, clear regulatory rules will be introduced to manage the sector. This includes a requirement for individuals or entities wishing to connect renewable electricity generation units to the national distribution system to obtain prior approval from the Electricity and Water Authority.

The proposal also allows producers to sell surplus renewable energy to the national grid. In addition, all renewable energy systems, devices, equipment, and energy-saving technologies—as well as their production inputs—will be exempt from customs duties.

During its weekly session on Sunday, the Council also approved a draft law to ratify the Host Country Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The agreement provides for the establishment of a PCA office in Bahrain to settle international disputes through arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and inquiry committees. It also sets out the privileges and immunities for court officials, arbitrators, mediators, conciliators, and inquiry members.

Meanwhile, the Council reaffirmed—for the second time—its rejection of a parliamentary bill that sought to restrict the hiring of foreigners for public sector jobs. The proposed bill required foreign hires to hold a master’s degree, have at least 10 years of experience, be contracted for two years renewable once, and include training Bahrainis as part of their duties, with the aim of prioritizing citizens for public sector roles and developing national talent.