By Layla Al-Khalifa ~
In the center of the Arabian Gulf, where for so long hydrocarbons had been the formula for wealth, Bahrain is setting out on a new and ambitious course—motivated not by hydrocarbons but by wind and solar power. The island nation, once renowned for its speed and guile, is stepping cautiously towards renewables with hope and expectation that is as much about the world’s climatic need as about national aspiration.
At its core is Bahrain National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), which has the following objectives: 5% from renewables in electricity by 2025 and 10% by 2035. The targets appear like peanuts on paper at first glance, but the foundation that is being laid now is titanic, particularly for a nation as small as Bahrain where diversification of sources translates to shouldering the majority of the shortage of land and peak summer load.
Perhaps the most conspicuous evidence of this transformation is the Askar Solar Park, a 100 MW solar facility built on the shoulders of overseas investment. Running at full capacity, it will supply over 20,000 homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by as much as 150,000 metric tons annually. It’s propelled by the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), the very driving force pushing Bahrain’s energy transformation today.
“We are not just investing in technology—We are investing in a resilient and sustainable future for every Bahraini,” SEA President Dr. Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza said in an interview with us last month.
Once more in the same positive direction is that of Bahrain’s roof-top solar policy. Roof-top solar paneling for new constructions has already been made mandatory by the government, and pilot projects have already been in progress on government ministries and schools. The Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs (MEWA) has undertaken public campaigns among the business community and citizens for solar penetration cost savings and environmental benefits.
Besides solar, pilot wind farms are also tested on a pilot scale along the southern coast of Bahrain. Less variable than the local solar resource, already completed pilot tests with foreign inputs are also aiding in finding out for Bahrain where it would be feasible to employ hybrid systems.
The private sector push is driving the pick-up. Bahraini companies such as Bapco Energies are investing in solar R&D and green hydrogen, while international clean tech firms are being lured through simplified regulatory channels. EDB has placed renewables in its high-growth foreign direct investment flows due to Bahrain’s robust ICT infrastructure and business-friendliness.
Youth activities and education are also on the rise. Environmental science and green engineering are part of the curriculum of Bahraini universities, and civil society activities initiated by NGOs and students imbue youth generations with environment responsibility.
With its compact geography, policy-oriented reform, and visionary leadership, Bahrain itself is a regional model for sustainable energy change. The sun radiates hot over the Manama skyline—but fuels a new tomorrow.
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