To initiate the foremost solar energy project in the Middle East, Bahrain anticipated a proposal on May 31st, 2012 to implement a solar smart grid in Awali. This is a big step to establish future smart cities in Gulf.
Marty Youssefiani, CEO of Caspian Energy Holdings, said: “The Middle East has for some time evaluated the integration of solar energy for reduction of reliance on non-renewable energy sources. However, Bahrain is among the first in the region to implement a project of this kind, demonstrating a serious commitment to long-term solutions.”
In collaboration with Petra Solar, Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) and Caspian Energy Holdings, Bahrain’s National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) has planned to implement five megawatt solar capacity into a wireless smart grid network.
The grid evades common interconnection issues and costs of traditional solar systems as its capacity to install into current transmission and distribution infrastructure. Bahrain is interested to spread the same suitable technology all over the country in upcoming years.
Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Energy, said: “The project in Awali represents just the first step in a series of initiatives by NOGA to diversify the sources of energy needed to ensure the sustainable development of the Kingdom. Following a successful implementation of this pilot project we expect that other projects will follow in the near future.”
The project opens a new door where Bahrain can think about transforming its energy sector into more eco-friendly.
Gordon Smith, CEO at the Bahrain Petroleum Company, said: “The landscape of Awali will be changed by this initiative; but more than the landscape, the operating philosophy of BAPCO which relied totally on fossil fuels for generating its electricity, will also change as a result of this project.”
It’s one of the cleanest steps taken by Bahrain to reduce greenhouse effect and pollution.