Solar energy to power 550 govt offices, says Minister

Manama : Implementation of the National Plan for renewable energy is progressing fast in the Kingdom with around 550 government building are being used for the installation of solar energy systems, said Dr Abdulhusaain Mirza yesterday. Presenting an electronic seminar on the renewable energy projects in the Kingdom, the Electricity and Water Affairs Minister said the plan which aims a 5 per cent increase in the share of renewable energy by 2025 includes seven key projects.

A live broadcast of US Ambassador Justin Siberell over the internet to investors in the United States was the highlight of the seminar organised by the US Embassy in cooperation with the US-Arab National Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC). The minister thanked and appreciated Bahrain’s leadership and the government and reviewed the historical relations between Bahrain and the United States for more than 135 years. He also focussed on presenting the latest achievements in the implementation of the National Plan for Renewable Energy.

The National Energy Efficiency Plan, Dr Mirza said, includes 22 initiatives to achieve the national goal of increasing energy efficiency of 6 per cent by 2025. He also told the conference that the government is keen on setting up a 100-megawatt solar power plant in partnership with the private sector. The minister also explained to the participants the benefits of Net Metering Project being implemented in the Kingdom. The system, Dr Mirza said, allows individuals and organisations to operate solar energy systems in their homes and facilities. “This has already begun with the roofs of around 550 government buildings are being used for the installation of solar energy systems.”