Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, attended the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the Al Dur Solar Power Plant project, which is being implemented by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) as part of its key initiatives in support of the Kingdom's energy transition pathway.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah stated that the Kingdom is actively pursuing high-quality strategic projects across critical infrastructure sectors. These projects aim to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy, support resource sustainability, and improve the efficiency and quality of services. This approach aligns with the comprehensive development process objectives led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that investment in advanced technologies is crucial for the development of modern infrastructure, especially in sectors related to supply security and service continuity. This includes integrating solar energy solutions into electricity generation to diversify sources, strengthen grid resilience, and achieve environmental and economic benefits, in line with the Government Programme 2023-2026, which promotes the use of renewable energy.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah highlighted that the Al Dur Power Plant project is vital for advancing the energy sector. It not only provides new renewable generation capacity but also supports the national plan to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix to 20% by 2035, in line with the National Renewable Energy Plan. This effort contributes to energy security, diversification of energy sources, encourages investment, and creates job opportunities in renewable energy industries.
He further noted that establishing the Al Dur plant as a large-scale solar power station and connecting it directly to the electricity grid reflects the Kingdom's commitment to implementing centralized generation projects that significantly contribute to the electricity system, meeting development requirements and future energy needs.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah praised the contribution of private sector institutions, alongside government efforts, in implementing distributed solar energy projects. He stressed that this integration supports the achievement of national renewable energy objectives and highlights the importance of partnership among all stakeholders involved in developing this sector.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, President of EWA, all EWA personnel, and all relevant entities for their efforts in advancing this critical project. He also underscored the importance of continued coordination among concerned government entities to ensure the completion of strategic projects according to approved plans and with the required efficiency.
In response, the President of EWA extended his gratitude and deep appreciation to His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their continuous support and attention to the Authority, enabling it to implement strategic projects efficiently and enhance the reliability and sustainability of its services, fulfilling the comprehensive development path objectives.
He thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for laying the foundation stone for the Al Dur Solar Power Plant project and commended his interest in key projects, his follow-up, and his support for coordination among relevant entities through the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects.
The President noted that the production capacity of the Al Dur Solar Power Plant project is expected to reach approximately 100 megawatts upon completion by the third quarter of next year, using 135,000 solar panels. He explained that the project is part of a series of initiatives by the Authority, aimed at reducing reliance on conventional fuels, supporting national efforts to reduce emissions, and contributing to achieving Bahrain's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060.