As the new year is set to see a dramatic increase in demand for energy across the world, several nations that previously relied on the conventional fossil fuel-based energy generation of oil and gas are turning to the renewable energy market to reach self-imposed net-zero targets. The Kingdom of Bahrain has recently announced that the power authority has approved the construction of a new solar project, namely the 100 MW Al Dur solar photovoltaic development.

Wave goodbye to oil and gas and welcome the untapped potential of solar power

With the need to address climate change across the world becoming all too common, several nations that made a small fortune from oil and gas production are now turning to the overlooked potential of the renewable energy market.

In a recent groundbreaking ceremony at the 100 MW Al Dur solar photovoltaic project, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, laid the first foundation stone for the project.

The new solar project in Bahrain is being implemented and developed by the nation’s Electricity and Water Authority to support the country’s clean energy ambitions and accelerate Bahrain’s energy transition.

In his speech, the deputy PM noted that the project aligns with the government’s push to integrate more renewable energy into the grid and thanked His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continued support in developing Bahrain’s latest solar power venture.

The new solar project is consistent with the government’s directive to increase renewable energy production

The notable expansion of the nation’s renewable energy market aligns with the Government Programme 2023–2026, which calls for significant investments in renewable energy projects that can align with the National Renewable Energy Plan.

Bahrain is set to lead the Middle East in renewable energy production this year

With the Middle East becoming a welcoming region for the renewable energy market, the reality is that more integrated solar and wind projects are going to reshape regional energy output capacity over the coming years. New developments in solar power technology have only increased the standing of the solar power market across the world.

Bahrain has implemented a new National Renewable Energy Plan to increase the share of renewable energy as part of the nation’s energy mix by 20% by 2035. The remarkable turnaround of the nation’s energy focus has come at a time when the vast majority of nations around the world are implementing measures and development plans to accelerate the energy transition from oil and gas to solar and wind power.

“The project is one of a package of initiatives being implemented by the Authority, whether in the field of distributed or large-scale solar energy, contributing to reducing reliance on conventional fuels, supporting national efforts to reduce emissions, and contributing to achieving the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2060.” – EWA President Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed

The government of Bahrain has been working together with state authorities to advance the rollout of more renewable energy projects over the coming years, as the Kingdom of Bahrain aims to compete with other Middle Eastern nations in integrating renewable energy into the national energy mix.

New solar power technology has been making the rounds this year

While the Kingdom of Bahrain is developing its latest solar energy project, new developments in solar power technology have emerged that promise to squeeze every bit of energy out of the sun’s rays. The Middle East has, for generations, made a fortune off the oil and gas markets; however, with global sentiments for renewable energy production shifting this year, a new era of clean energy generation has emerged that will inevitably encompass the entire world.