Interview: Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed
How is sustainability driving progress in Bahrain’s electricity and water management?
KAMAL BIN AHMED MOHAMED AHMED: The electricity and water segments are undergoing a significant transformation aligned with the kingdom’s national sustainability goals. As demand in Bahrain continues to rise, the focus is in on diversifying sources, while also ensuring the security and reliability of the kingdom’s energy supply. The 100-MW Al Dur solar farm is one such example of these efforts.
However, with limited land for traditional solar facilities, Bahrain is exploring solutions such as floating solar plants and wind farms, as well as considering alternative energy sources – including nuclear and small modular reactors – for long-term sustainability. Bahrain is also phasing out older power-generating assets. This is expected to facilitate investment in renewable energy projects and strengthen collaboration with local and international partners, reinforcing Bahrain’s commitment to sustainability in the utilities sector.
What can be done so that electricity and water projects contribute more to economic diversification?
AHMED: The electricity and water segments play a crucial role in supporting Bahrain’s urban development and economic growth. By monitoring demand for these services, the kingdom is able to plan for a reliable and cost-effective supply that supports ongoing developments. Approximately $4bn is expected to be invested in the next five years to enhance related infrastructure and develop energy facilities, all while adhering to global standards. The continued growth and optimisation of these utilities is key to enabling economic diversification, fostering the development of local feeder industries and creating job opportunities.
The EWA is undergoing a corporatisation process, and a new regulatory body is set to be established to streamline operations and enhance the utilities sector’s efficiency. This should further boost the industry’s contribution to broader economic diversification goals.
To what extent can physical and regulatory infrastructure help integrate green electricity produced by the private sector into the national grid?
AHMED: Bahrain’s physical and regulatory infrastructure is well equipped to support the integration of privately produced green electricity into the national grid. The existing net-metering policy enables both businesses and individuals to generate their own electricity and return any surplus to the grid. Approximately 73 MW of green electricity is already connected, and this figure is expected to reach 400 MW by 2028, demonstrating the kingdom’s commitment to increasing the share of renewables within its national framework.
In what ways can renewable energy be leveraged to support sustainable industrial development?
AHMED: Renewable energy is essential to the sustainable development of industry, which is why the distributed solar net-metering policy is increasingly being adopted by organisations within the utilities sector. The largest project under this policy is a 96-MW agreement with Bahrain Steel to install one of the kingdom’s largest rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. By harnessing solar power, such entities can reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources, lower their carbon footprint and contribute to wider sustainability targets.
Which initiatives are promoting energy efficiency?
AHMED: To further reduce energy consumption, Bahrain has launched the Kafa’a programme, which supports the implementation of energy-efficiency projects in buildings with high electricity use. The programme’s first phase is focused on enhancing energy efficiency in 20 government buildings and 20 private companies. This initiative contributes to Bahrain’s sustainability goals and its international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By 2040 the programme aims to save approximately 975 GWh of electricity and cut carbon emissions by around 488,000 tonnes.
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