Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar has signed a deal with Bapco Energies of Bahrain to jointly explore the development and investment in wind projects in the kingdom with a capacity of up to 2 gigawatts (GW).

Marking a strategic entry into the Bahrain market for the UAE’s clean energy champion, the agreement for near-shore and offshore wind farms is Masdar’s first project of its kind in the region.

At up to 2GW, this clean energy collaboration will support Bahrain to accelerate the decarbonisation of critical industrial sectors and open avenues to develop new markets. Bahrain aims to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, as outlined in its National Energy Strategy.

Masdar Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said: “As a global clean energy pioneer, Masdar will utilise its well-established expertise and track record in delivering wind energy projects globally, both onshore and offshore. It is a privilege to be supporting Bahrain to achieve its net zero ambitions and power a more sustainable future.”

Bapco Energies Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Thomas said: “This marks a significant milestone in Bapco Energies’ pathway towards sustainable energy development. Our partnership with Masdar demonstrates our commitment towards diversifying Bahrain’s energy mix to include cleaner energy sources, underscoring our role as leaders in renewable energy development. This strategic collaboration signifies a bold step towards realising the ambitions outlined in Bahrain’s National Energy Strategy, propelling us closer to our net-zero goals. Together, we will pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”

Masdar has developed a number of landmark projects across the world, including the 400 MW Dumat Al Jandal wind farm, the largest in the Middle East and the first in Saudi Arabia, the 630 MW London Array offshore wind project in the UK which powers half a million British homes and the 103.5 MW UAE Wind Programme, which utilises innovative technology to capture low wind speeds at utility scale.