Energy
From The Report: Bahrain 2018
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While Bahrain has pushed successfully to become one of the most diversified economies in the Gulf region, petroleum products still make up a significant share of the country’s total exports: 50% of all exports in 2016, according to data from the UN International Trade Statistics Database and the World Bank. In addition, the drive to establish a flourishing industrial base, coupled with favourable oil and gas subsidies over the years, has put pressure on the kingdom’s ability to meet domestic energy needs with its own supplies of natural gas. The construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, which will start receiving LNG in 2019, as well as reductions in energy subsidies, are likely to help address this shortfall. However, in the long term more will need to be done to raise domestic production or import more oil and gas into the country.

This chapter contains an interview with Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Electricity and Water; and Peter Bartlett, CEO, Bahrain Petroleum Company.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Moving forward: The country seeks to diversify its sources of energy, and enhance the ability to process and refine oil and gas
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While Bahrain has pushed successfully to become one of the most diversified economies in the Gulf region, petroleum products still make up a significant share of the country’s total exports; 50% of all exports in 2016, according to data from the United Nations International Trade Statistics Database and the World Bank. In addition, the drive to establish a flourishing industrial base, coupled with favourable oil and gas subsidies over the years, has put pressure on the kingdom’s ability…

Interview

Bright future: Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Electricity and Water, on expanding the energy sector
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Interview:Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza How will current developments impact the longterm fitness of the sector? ABDUL HUSSAIN BIN ALI MIRZA: undefined The development of electricity and water infrastructure in Bahrain has continued at a fast pace during 2017. A master development plan for the infrastructure was created, which sets out the roadmap for continuing the reliable development of the electricity and water systems and infrastructure through 2030. Work is also under way on the expansion…

Interview

Diversifying for sustainability: Peter Bartlett, CEO, Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), on the future of oil production and alternative energies
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Interview:Peter Bartlett How are oil refining investments likely to affect the development of downstream industries? PETER BARTLETT: As Bahrain looks to diversify its economy and sources of government revenue away from oil, downstream industries present clear opportunities, as the source material is readily available, and locating related industries nearby increases efficiency and reduces cost. One aim of the BAPCO Modernisation Programme (BMP) – the largest investment in the sector –…

Analysis

Sustainable options: New solar power projects will add to the energy mix
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In September 2017 Bahrain announced plans to develop a 100-MW high-tech solar power plant in collaboration with the private sector. This is just the latest in a line of developments related to solar power to come out of Bahrain over the last few years, as the kingdom looks to diversify its energy sources. The tender process for the plant was set to begin in the first quarter of 2018, with work expected to be completed and the facility operational by the end of the year. NEW TARGETS: The…

Analysis

Power upgrade: Expanding electricity production to meet increasing demand
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With Bahrain’s population and industrial footprint growing at pace, the kingdom has had to expand its electricity infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs, Bahrain has an available electricity capacity of nearly 3921 MW, with peak demand hitting 3418 MW in summer 2016. At the same time, top estimates have peak demand reaching around 4500 MW in 2020, with a low forecast of approximately 4100 MW. This will require significant new power supplies coming on-line…