Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has announced that work has begun on the kingdom’s first major utility-scale solar project being set up for electricity generation.

The key facility, which is located in the kingdom’s southern region near Bilaj Al Jazayer, will have a planned production capacity of 150 MW of electricity.

Once operational, the plant is expected to generate electricity sufficient to meet the needs of approximately 6,300 homes and will contribute to an annual reduction of over 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The plant, which is coming up on a 1.2-sq-km area, will be utilising the latest advancements in solar energy technologies to optimise output and efficiency, he stated.

Being developed in partnership with the private sector, the project forms part of national initiatives to enhance the kingdom’s reliance on renewable energy sources and contributes to Bahrain’s target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.

According to EWA, this initiative is a cornerstone of the kingdom’s National Renewable Energy Plan, which aims to raise the share of clean energy to 20 per cent of Bahrain’s energy mix by 2035.

The tender inviting international developers and stakeholders to participate in the project is scheduled to be issued in the fourth quarter with commercial operations expected to begin in Q3 2027.

EWA is seeking expressions of interest from leading developers for their active participation in market sounding process and playing an active role in shaping the future of clean energy in Bahrain.

A consortium of specialised firms has been appointed to provide advisory services throughout the project lifecycle – starting from feasibility studies, planning, and technical oversight through to commercial operation.  This includes KPMG Fakhro as financial advisor, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff as technical advisor and Trowers & Hamlins as legal advisor.