Key Highlights
- Bahrain has begun construction on a 100MW solar PV project in the Al Dur area.
- The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) is developing the plant as part of Bahrain’s energy transition strategy.
- Construction is expected to take around 18 months, with completion slated for the third quarter of next year.
- About 135,000 solar panels will be installed across two adjacent sites covering approximately 830,000 square meters.
Introduction to Bahrain’s Renewable Energy Plans
Bahrain is accelerating its expansion of renewable energy capacity through a series of large-scale and distributed projects. The Al Dur solar PV project marks a significant step in developing the country’s energy sector, aiming to support plans to raise the share of renewables in the power mix to 20% by 2035 under the National Renewable Energy Plan.
The government is demonstrating its commitment to centralised renewable generation through projects like Al Dur, which will provide meaningful capacity to the national grid. These initiatives align with Bahrain’s long-term Net Zero 2060 ambitions and contribute to diversifying energy sources and strengthening grid resilience.
Details of the Al Dur Solar PV Project
The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) laid the foundation stone for the 100MW solar PV power plant in the Al Dur area, Southern Governorate. The project is scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of next year. Approximately 135,000 solar panels will be installed across two adjacent sites covering around 830,000 square meters.
Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months from contract award and will connect to the national grid via the 66/11kV Al Dur BSP substation. The project highlights Bahrain’s strategic shift towards renewable energy sources as part of its broader energy transition strategy.
Government’s Vision and Future Outlook
Bahrain’s deputy prime minister, Shaikh Khalid, underscored the significance of the Al Dur project as a large-scale, grid-connected solar plant. He noted that it underscores the Kingdom’s shift towards centralised renewable generation capable of delivering meaningful capacity to the power system in line with future energy demand.
Shaikh Khalid emphasized that integrating solar power into electricity generation would help diversify energy sources, strengthen grid resilience and deliver environmental and economic benefits, aligning with Government Programme 2023-2026. The project is part of a broader pipeline of renewable energy projects in the region, which includes recent developments like a 123MWp industrial solar programme and a 46.2MW project at the University of Bahrain.
The race to decarbonize continues as countries across the Middle East seek to meet their climate goals through expanded renewable capacity. Al Dur is just one example of how regional governments are taking concrete steps towards achieving their Net Zero ambitions by investing in large-scale solar projects.
