Energy
From The Report: Bahrain 2016
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Although the global drop in crude oil prices is a concern, the early adoption of economic diversification efforts has created positive growth trajectories in non-oil sectors in Bahrain, such as construction and transport.  Hydrocarbons continue to form the bulk of government revenues in Bahrain, with oil and gas accounting for 24.1% of Bahrain’s GDP in 2014. Neighbouring Saudi Arabia remains a vital energy partner for the kingdom, and recent Saudi investments in its Eastern Province have benefitted both countries in terms of hydrocarbons processing.  Meanwhile in June 2014 Bahrain opened its first solar energy facility in the town of Awali. The 5-MW facility relies on the concept of a smart grid that harvests energy through photo-votaic panels dispersed around the city.

This chapter contains an interview with Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Energy. 

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A diverse base: The development of innovative methods for oil recovery boosts production and eases constraints
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The composition of Bahrain’s GDP compared to the five other GCC member countries, shows that while the energy sector remains the single largest contributor to national production, at just under a quarter of GDP, Bahrain is leading the way on economic diversification. An IMF discussion paper on economic diversification in GCC countries, published in December 2014, showed that according to the latest available data for the six member states, the mining and utilities sector contributed almost 50%…

Interview

Energetic planning: OBG talks to Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Energy
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Interview:Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza What strategies are being developed to encourage market-based energy prices in the future? ABDUL HUSSAIN BIN ALI MIRZA: Energy subsidies and cheap gas prices have clearly resulted in inefficient energy usage. Over the years, the government of Bahrain has gradually reduced the level of subsidies for products like petrol gasoline, diesel and asphalt. In order to drive the country towards energy efficiency, in January 2015 the government adopted a…

Analysis

Powering up: Rising demand fuels a range of investments in electricity and other public infrastructure
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The rapid growth in Bahrain’s population presents considerable challenges for the private and state providers supplying utilities. As well as routine work to replace, refurbish and improve existing power, water and sewage networks, providers are also required to expand their networks to serve new communities that are being constructed. Even as it works to keep pace with today’s demand levels, the government is also planning ahead to meet the anticipated demands of the country in five to 10 years’…

Analysis

Bright prospects: A range of initiatives expand the use of greener energy sources
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With over nine hours of sunshine a day for eight months of the year, Bahrain would appear to be an obvious location in which to pursue solar power as a renewable energy option. Looking to harness this readily available resource, the country has already taken its first steps in establishing a renewable energy strategy and is creating a watchdog to oversee this new aspect of its energy sector. First Steps The country’s first 5-MW solar generation facility opened in the town of Awali in June 2014. The project was commissioned by state-owned Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) and carried out by two US firms, Petra Solar (a subsidiary of Petra Systems)…