The new BIC circuit solar project is expected to deliver enough energy to power the entire Formula 1 race weekend.

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), in co-ordination with the kingdom’s Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), has announced the launch of tenders for a major solar plant to be developed within the home of F1 Grand Prix event in Bahrain.

A request for proposal (RfP) was issued recently by SEA for the grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with a minimum capacity of 3 MWac which will be installed as car park shades at the BIC (see Tenders).

SEA is inviting companies to develop the solar project on a build, own, operate and maintain (Boom) model for a 20-year contract period.

According to BIC authorities, this new project is expected to deliver enough energy to power the entire Formula 1 race weekend and support Bahrain’s commitment to increase renewable energy use in the kingdom and F1’s plan to have net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

It will help reduce the venue’s carbon footprint and generate significant savings on overall energy costs, they added.

BIC Chief Operating Officer Fayez Ramzy Fayez said: “The launch of the tender is an important milestone for our solar project and we are inviting qualified organisations from across the globe to submit their proposals for this landmark initiative.”

“Together with the SEA, we look forward to working through the phases of this project for delivery by early next year,” he added.

The last date for submitting the bids has been set at June 10 and the construction work is likely to begin later this year.