TDT | Manama
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A new energy transition plan from the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) aims to reduce natural gas consumption by more than 30 percent by 2040 and meet over 45 percent of the country's electricity needs from clean sources, although electricity consumption is expected to rise by about 40 percent to around 28 terawatt hours in the same year.
According to the agency, the plan, completed in November 2023, is a roadmap for transitioning from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources.
It places great emphasis on security of supply, a broader mix of energy sources, lower carbon emissions and cost control through greater efficiency in electricity generation, while setting out how to meet increasing demand through 2040. Carbon emissions.
By 2035, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent and ensure that at least 20 percent of energy comes from clean sources as part of a broader renewable energy strategy.
The plan links these goals to Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and national goals related to sustainable development.
According to figures released by the authority, 323 renewable energy projects have already been completed and a further 47 are currently being worked on. Together, these programs have reduced annual CO2 emissions by approximately 75,000 tons.
Renewable capacity
More than 65 megawatts of renewable capacity is operational, along with over 90 megawatts of centralized renewable energy. Further increases are planned as part of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan and the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan.
A key component of the program is the net metering/net billing system, which allows customers to generate electricity from solar panels and feed excess electricity into the national grid.
The Authority is expanding this program to the residential, commercial and industrial sectors to expand distributed generation and help meet national clean energy goals.
All related services have been moved to the Benayat platform so that applications for solar projects and other services are now processed electronically.
Technical support
The agency lists more than 90 certified consultants and more than 50 certified solar power system contractors who provide technical assistance for new roofing and other installations.
The agency says switching to solar energy can reduce electricity bills by meeting some consumption through on-site generation, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping to keep the environment cleaner.
It adds that solar systems can provide a steady and locally generated source of electricity for homes and businesses.
In its public statements, the Electricity and Water Authority presents the energy transition plan, along with solar and digital projects, as a means to expand clean energy, meet increasing demand and reduce emissions in line with Bahrain's stated environmental and economic goals.