Energy
From The Report: Bahrain 2013
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The hydrocarbons industry is a key contributor to the economy, accounting for around 22% of GDP in 2012 as well as some 75% of government revenues. Efforts to boost production are expected to see output reach 100,000 barrels per day by 2020. The government has pledged to invest $15bn in the hydrocarbons sector over the next 30 years, with energy diversification and a growing focus on solar and wind power set to lessen the kingdom’s dependence on natural gas. Despite current energy production outpacing peak demand, the government is working to encourage reduced power and water consumption through a public awareness campaign, while increasing power production capacity.

This chapter includes interviews with Adel Khalil Al Moayyed, Chairman, BAPCO; and Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of State for Electricity and Water Affairs.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Innovative techniques: Rising demand necessitates a search for other sources
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While extracting oil and natural gas increasingly requires more complicated techniques and sophisticated technology, hydrocarbons remain a key part of the Bahraini economy. Indeed, the kingdom’s investment agency, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), recently reported that the oil sector accounted for approximately 22% of GDP in 2012 as well as some 75% of government revenue. Oil production is forecast to rise by well over 100% from current production levels to reach 100,000 barrels…

Interview

OBG talks to Adel Khalil Al Moayyed, Chairman, BAPCO
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Interview:Adel Khalil Al Moayyed At what stage of development is the Sitra Refinery Master Plan, and how will upgrades to the Arabia-Bahrain (AB) pipeline affect refinery operations? ADEL KHAIL AL MOAYYED: The Sitra Refinery Master Plan, or rather the BAPCO Modernisation Programme (BMP), is progressing well. The objective of the BMP is to develop an optimum refinery configuration that will place BAPCO amongst the most competitive refineries as well as address environmental and efficiency…

Interview

OBG talks to Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of State for Electricity and Water Affairs
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Interview:Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza What steps are being taken to upgrade the grid system and the supply of electricity? ABDUL HUSSAIN BIN ALI MIRZA: Fifteen 220-KV bulk supply point substations are either under construction or have been completed since 2009. On the 66-KV system, 30 substations have been built over the same period, and additional ones are being provided as the distribution load in the Hidd area experiences rapid growth. There are also 300 new 11-KV outlets being installed…

Analysis

Outside the box: Solar and wind energy stand out as alternative sources of power
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While Bahrain’s oil industry still plays a major role in the economy, the government has recognised the importance of building up other sectors and first initiated a diversification strategy several decades ago after a period of peak oil production. More recently the government has also emphasised the need to develop alternative energy sources. This approach should facilitate economic diversification and help to secure future energy needs. Alternative fuels, such as renewables, will also aid…

Analysis

Lifting liquid gold: A wider variety of extraction techniques are being examined
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One of the most important trends within Bahrain’s energy sector is a general increase in production. This shift is taking place in both the oil and gas industries as well as the upstream and downstream segments, and the trend can be attributed to a number of factors, with the successful application of enhanced oil recovery techniques (EOR) being chief among them. RESERVES: The Bahrain Field, which is located in the centre of the country and is sometimes referred to as the Awali Field, holds…

Analysis

On the grid: Fibre optics and an expanded transmission system are in the works
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The kingdom’s power sector is undergoing a number of significant upgrades focused on the electricity network and distribution system. With projects ranging from the construction of transmission substations to the installation of fibre-optic cabling, the suite of planned and ongoing projects should notably increase the overall security of Bahrain’s grid system. Peak electricity demand has risen substantially over the past 10 years. Indeed, the country’s Electricity and Water Authority…