Bahrain Establishes a New Global Standard with the Largest Rooftop Solar Project
In a significant move towards sustainable energy, Bahrain has recently announced its partnership with Yellow Door Energy to develop the world’s largest rooftop solar power plant. This initiative is backed by Foulath Holding, a major industrial holding company with substantial investments in steel production. The ambitious project, which boasts a capacity of 123 megawatts peak (MWp), is set to enhance Bahrain's renewable energy capabilities by incorporating 77,000 solar panels across a vast 262,000 square meters warehouse.
The announcement took place during the third edition of the Gateway Gulf investment forum, hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay. This forum brought together influential figures from various sectors, including international investors, business leaders, and policymakers from around the globe. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Bahrain’s Minister of Sustainable Development and Chairperson of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), emphasized Bahrain’s leading position in sustainable global innovation through this groundbreaking project.
Reflecting on the project’s impact, Alkhulaif asserted, “Today, the island nation of Bahrain stands at the forefront of global sustainable innovation. We are incredibly proud of this transformative project, which not only establishes the world’s largest rooftop solar power plant but also solidifies our position as a regional leader in clean energy”.
Bahrain’s initiative represents a commitment to significantly reduce carbon emissions from steel production, aligning with the country's broader goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Meshary Al-Judaimi, Chairman of Foulath Holding, highlighted the company’s investment of approximately USD 250 million in various sustainability projects over the years, underpinning their dedication to responsible operations and community welfare.
The scale of the project is remarkable, featuring ten rooftop photovoltaic installations and four ground-mounted systems that aim to produce a staggering 200 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy in the first operational year alone. This projection indicates a potential reduction of carbon emissions by around 90,000 tons, showcasing how industrial sectors can adopt sustainable practices.
Sherif ElKholy, Managing Director and Head of the Middle East and Africa at Actis, and Chairman of Yellow Door Energy, lauded the partnership, emphasizing that this project sets a new global benchmark for decarbonizing the steel industry with cost-effective clean energy solutions.
The strategic partnership between Foulath Holding and Yellow Door Energy signals a larger shift towards sustainable development across Bahrain, reinforcing its vision to improve international competitiveness while contributing to environmental sustainability. As countries worldwide ramp up efforts to address climate change, Bahrain’s innovative approach to renewable energy could serve as a model for other nations looking to make significant strides in their sustainable initiatives.
This project not only represents a technical achievement but also embodies Bahrain's holistic approach to sustainable development, merging industrial growth with environmental stewardship, hence leading the region into a more sustainable future.
With such groundbreaking advancements in the renewable energy sector, Bahrain is setting a high bar, showcasing the potential for industrial sectors to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals. The collaborative efforts of Foulath Holding, Yellow Door Energy, and the Bahrain EDB chart a promising course towards an eco-friendly, resilient future for the Kingdom.