100 MW solar power plant: A promise for Bahrain’s future in renewable energy

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The foundation stone ceremony of Al Dur Solar Power Plant in the Kingdom of Bahrain was attended by Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of the country. The Al Dur Solar Power Plant is an initiative taken by the Electricity and Water Authority to reinforce the transition to solar energy and the sustainability aims of Bahrain. 

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The solar energy project is a step towards a sustainable future. The deputy prime minister stated that the large-scale, grid-connected solar power plant reflects Bahrain’s commitment to high-quality infrastructure development and emphasises Bahrain’s focus on centralised power generation. 

The President of the Electricity and Water Authority, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, thanked the leadership and officials for their support, stating, The project is one of a package of initiatives being implemented by the Authority, whether in the field of distributed or large-scale solar energy, contributing to reducing reliance on conventional fuels, supporting national efforts to reduce emissions.” The Al Dur Solar Power Plant is expected to have a capacity of about 100 MW, using around 135,000 solar panels. 

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The deputy prime minister highlighted the project’s potential to bolster the competitive edge of the economy and ensure efficient and sustainable resource use. Moreover, it would improve service quality, aligning with the national development vision led by the nation’s leadership, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and the prime minister.

He explained the essentiality of investing in advanced technologies and renewable energy for energy source diversification, reinforcement of grid resilience, and delivering environmental and economic benefits, consistent with the Government Programme 2023–2026. He also noted that by 2035, this initiative would help raise the renewable energy share in the energy mix to 20 per cent, supporting national energy security, investment, and job creation.

The project simultaneously acknowledges the private sector’s participation in accelerating renewable energy targets through firm public-private partnerships. It is scheduled for completion by Q3 of 2027. The EWA president highlighted that the PV power plant would be greatly “contributing to achieving the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2060.”

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