Bahrain's commitment to clean energy shines at Balexco solar power plant opening

Under the patronage of His Excellency Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority, Bahrain Aluminum Extrusion Company (Balexco) held the inauguration ceremony of the 2.25 MW Solar Power Plant. His Excellency confirmed EWA's support for the Balexco solar energy project and appreciated Balexco's commitment to adopting and investing in alternative and sustainable energy sources. He encouraged other private sector companies looking to integrate sustainable practices into their operations to follow a similar approach, motivating them to contribute to achieving the Kingdom's goals for renewable energy.

The journey of this project, which began with the signing of the Letter of Intent (LOI) in Partnership with Kanoo CleanMax, a leading developer of renewable energy sources in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in November 2022, and progressed with the signing of the Solar PPA agreement on the 18^th of July 2023, culminated in a momentous ceremony on the 5^th of May 2024. This ceremony, graced by the presence of EWA's representatives, banks, industrial companies, Balexco accredited customers, and relevant government and renewable energy representatives in Bahrain, marked the official start of the project's operation.

His Excellency noted that the Electricity and Water Authority aims to adopt the best practices in the field of renewable energy by working to implement the sustainable energy transformation plan, through which investment initiatives in renewable energy sources will be adopted and thus reduce carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2060, and in accordance with the Kingdom's international obligations.

In response to the Kingdom of Bahrain's vision to reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2060, the newly installed Balexco Solar Power Plant is a testament to Balexco's dedication to leveraging renewable energy sources to power its operations. Covering an impressive 30 per cent of the company's current electrical power demand, this project signifies a substantial move towards reducing our dependence on traditional power sources and minimising our carbon footprint. The project will enable carbon abatement of 1773 MT CO₂ annually, equivalent to planting 21,517 palm trees or taking 377 cars off the roads.

Bahrain Aluminum Extrusions Company (Balexco) is proud to announce this important achievement in its commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation, as the solar energy plant located on the company's roof not only demonstrates Balexco's responsibility towards environmental conservation but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. This project stands as a model for other industrial companies looking to integrate sustainable practices into their operations by adopting renewable energy. It enables companies to play a crucial role in promoting a sustainable and greener future for all.

On this occasion, Balexco extends its sincere gratitude to His Excellency Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority, for sponsoring this event and to the Electricity and Water Authority for their continued support to activate the company's solar energy project and other energy efficiency programs that Balexco is working to advance, in addition to environmental, social, and governance projects, and their commendable efforts in developing renewable energy projects in the Kingdom in line with the outcomes of the national plan and the vision of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the field of renewable energies.