The Kingdom of Bahrain marked a significant stride towards clean and renewable energy solutions with the inauguration of its second-largest solar power project. The project is situated at Dragon City, and it underscores Bahrain’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices for the next quarter-century.
The project is led by Vitol Bahrain and the project’s completion within 18 months shows combined efforts to bolster Bahrain’s renewable energy infrastructure. Kieran Gallagher, Managing Director of Vitol Bahrain, revealed about the company’s four-decade presence in Bahrain and its ongoing dedication to reducing carbon emissions. Gallagher emphasized Vitol’s engagement in the tendering process for additional projects across Bahrain and the wider region, signifying a proactive stance towards sustainable energy initiatives.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, the Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, showing governmental support for renewable energy endeavors. Dr. Bin Daina lauded the collaborative efforts of Vitol Bahrain and its partners, recognizing the pivotal role of such initiatives in advancing Bahrain’s sustainability agenda.
Dragon City’s solar plant, boasting a capacity of 5.7 MW, stands as the largest solar carport plant in Bahrain and the second-largest solar project in the Kingdom. Over the next 25 years, it is anticipated to generate 9,000,000 kWh of clean renewable energy annually, significantly mitigating the nation’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the project incorporates two electric vehicle (EV) charging points, aligning with Bahrain’s vision for sustainable transportation infrastructure as EV adoption gains momentum.
Eng. Ahmed Ali Alammadi, CEO of Diyar Al Muharraq and a board member of Dragon City, underscored the project’s alignment with the company’s ethos of fostering environmentally conscious practices. Alammadi emphasized Diyar Al Muharraq’s commitment to building a sustainable city that prioritizes the well-being of its residents and visitors.
The collaboration between Vitol Bahrain, Diyar Al Muharraq, and Dragon City exhibits the power of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development initiatives. Kieran Gallagher expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations aimed at advancing Bahrain’s energy landscape and fostering environmental stewardship.
With this project, the Dragon City solar project represents a pivotal moment in Bahrain’s journey towards renewable energy adoption, highlighting the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.