Why is Bahrain investing in renewables?

Bahrain is also beginning to ramp up investment in renewables as it works towards its goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. The spike in oil prices in early 2022 could offer further incentive for Bahrain to expand its green energy capabilities. In September 2021 Bahrain announced plans to restructure its oil and gas industry.

How much energy does Bahrain need?

In order to achieve these objectives, Bahrain will need 280 MW of electricity generation capacity from renewables by 2025, increasing to 710 MW by 2035. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), the country is targeting solar, wind and energy from waste to hit these targets.

What is Bahrain's energy strategy?

The Strategy is rooted in the twin objectives of decarbonising Bahrain’s economy while ensuring reliable and affordable access to the energy the Kingdom needs to sustain and, indeed, accelerate its growth. It is one of 6 priority sector strategies that stem from the Kingdom’s forward-looking Economic Recovery Plan.

Does Bahrain have solar energy?

Given Bahrain’s climate, solar energy is a vital part of the kingdom’s clean energy mix, accounting for 93% of its renewable capacity in 2020. In November 2021 the government inaugurated the Batelco solar plant, which can produce some 1600 MW of power and is expected to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by around 900 tonnes.

Will Bahrain commercialise hydrocarbons by 2023?

Though there had been limited progress as of May 2022, the kingdom is hoping to commercialise the discovery by 2023. Under the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 plan, the kingdom is striving to transition its economy away from a dependence on hydrocarbons.

Does Bahrain produce a lot of oil?

Though Bahrain does not produce as much oil as its larger neighbours, the energy industry remains a vital part of the national economy. This has been helped by a large-scale oil and gas discovery in 2018 and the upgrade of the country’s main refinery in Sitra.