Bahrain Launches Construction of 100MW Al Dur Solar PV Project
The Kingdom of Bahrain has initiated the construction of the Al Dur Solar PV Project, which boasts a capacity of 100 megawatts (MW). This initiative is poised to strengthen the country’s renewable energy landscape.
Overview of the Al Dur Solar PV Project
Spanning approximately 830,000 square meters across two sites, the Al Dur facility aims to enhance Bahrain’s solar energy capabilities. The construction phase is anticipated to last around 18 months following the award of the contract.
Connection to the National Grid
The solar plant will link to the national grid via the 66/11kV Al Dur BSP substation. This connectivity is crucial for integrating the generated solar power into the existing electricity infrastructure.
Government Commitment to Renewable Energy
Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid, emphasized the importance of this project in signaling a shift towards centralized renewable energy production. This initiative aligns with the Government Programme for 2023-2026, which focuses on expanding renewable energy sources.
- Diversifies energy sources
- Strengthens grid resilience
- Delivers environmental and economic benefits
Strategic Goals and Future Plans
The development of the Al Dur project is a pivotal move in Bahrain’s energy sector. It contributes to efforts aimed at increasing the renewable energy share in the power mix to 20% by the year 2035, as outlined in the National Renewable Energy Plan.
Ongoing Solar Initiatives
Bahrain is also advancing its solar capacity with a suite of large-scale and distributed projects. Some of the notable plans include:
- A 123MWp industrial solar program announced for late 2025
- The world’s largest single-site rooftop installation at 50MWp
- A 150MW utility-scale plant in Sakhir
- A 46.2MW project at the University of Bahrain
As of mid-2023, Bahrain’s installed renewable energy capacity stood at approximately 57MW. Despite this modest figure, the upcoming projects signal a transformative shift toward increased renewable energy deployment.
Long-Term Objectives
These strategic developments are integral to Bahrain’s long-term vision, aiming for Net Zero emissions by 2060. The Al Dur Solar PV Project is just one of many initiatives driving the nation towards a sustainable energy future.
