Bahrain Launches Solar Tender For 72 MW AC Capacity

• MEWA has announced an international tender to have 72 MW AC solar power capacity set up in Bahrain's Sakhir region
• It will be spread across the BIC, University of Bahrain, Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre, and Al Dana Amphitheatre
• Projects will be set up in the form of rooftops, carparks, EV charging stations and as ground mounted systems

Bahrain's Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs (MEWA) has invited bidders to establish a minimum of 72 MW AC grid tied solar power capacity at various locations in the kingdom's Sakhir region, in lieu of a 20-year contract.

This capacity will be realized on the rooftops, carparks, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and as ground mounted systems for the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), University of Bahrain, Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre, and Al Dana Amphitheatre.

MEWA will admit bids from both local as well as international bidders to build, own, operate, and maintain the projects. Another eligibility condition is to for the interested companies to have commissioned at least 40 MW AC grid tied solar PV capacity in any country globally in the last 3 years. They also need to have commissioned at least 10 grid tied solar PV projects out of which 5 should have been solar carparks.

"The launch of this tender comes as part of the Kingdom's wider vision to adopt a circular carbon economy, with the aim to bring carbon emissions in Bahrain to net zero by 2060 in line with its national commitments to protect the environment and combat climate change," said MEWA Minister Ebrahim Humaidan.

Launched on August 17, 2022, the ministry will accept bids till October 16, 2022. Further details are available on Bahrain's Tender Board website.

Earlier this year in March 2022, BIC announced completion of a solar project on site to power its F1 weekend, adding that it will undertake further expansion of the same (see Solar Power For Bahrain's Formula 1).