BAHRAIN is drawing up plans to build one of the first major solar energy projects in the Middle East – a smart solar grid in Awali that will pave the way for future smart cities in the region.

“The Middle East has been evaluating for quite some time the integration of solar energy for reduction of reliance on non-renewable energy sources. However, Bahrain is among the first countries in the region to implement a project of this kind, demonstrating a serious commitment to long-term energy solutions,” Marty Youssefiani, chief executive officer of Caspian Energy Holdings, said.

Bahrain’s National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) is implementing 5 MW solar capacity into a wireless smart grid network in cooperation with Petra Solar, Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) and Caspian Energy Holdings. The grid circumvents common interconnection issues and costs of traditional solar systems because of its ability to install into the current transmission and distribution infrastructure. Bahrain intends to spread similar sustainable technology across the country in the future.

With this project, Bahrain aims to ultimately transform its energy sector into one that is more environment-friendly.