Bahrain's Landmark Move in Solar Energy – Unveiling the Largest Rooftop Solar Power Plant Globally
In a groundbreaking announcement, Bahrain is poised to reshape the renewable energy landscape by unveiling the world's largest rooftop solar power plant. This significant step comes from Foulath Holding, an influential industrial conglomerate with substantial investments in steel, making it a key player in the region. Partnering with Yellow Door Energy, a leader in sustainable energy development, the project aims to deliver a staggering 123 megawatts of clean energy, reinforcing Bahrain's commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The project's centerpiece is a massive solar power facility that will be constructed on a new 262,000 square meter hangar. It will feature an impressive installation of 77,000 solar panels, with a direct capacity of 50 megawatts peak (MWp). This monumental initiative was brought to light during the esteemed Gateway Gulf Investment Forum held at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay, a gathering that drew key investors, business leaders, and policymakers from various parts of the world.
Joseph Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Bahrain's Minister of Sustainable Development and the General Director of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), articulated the nation's pride in this transformative project. "Today, we stand at the forefront of sustainable global innovation. This rooftop solar power plant not only strengthens our position as a regional leader in clean energy but also aligns with our national vision to elevate Bahrain’s international competitiveness," he remarked. His statements underscore Bahrain's strategic focus on embracing clean energy solutions as a pathway to a sustainable future.
Foulath Holding’s President, Meshary Al-Judaimi, highlighted the company’s robust investment history in sustainable projects amounting to around USD 250 million in recent years. "These investments are a testament to our dedication to responsible operations, environmental stewardship, and community health. This solar project continues our commitment to balancing industrial development with environmental preservation," he noted, setting a clear intention for aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility.
The project also marks a stunning validation of clean energy's role in the steel industry by significantly decarbonizing Bahrain's steel production processes. Sherif ElKholy, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at Actis—Yellow Door Energy's majority shareholder—extended congratulations on this noteworthy power purchase agreement. He explained, "This project establishes a new global benchmark for carbon reduction in steel production and represents a shift toward more sustainable practices across various industrial sectors. It's an exciting step forward for both Foulath Holding and Yellow Door Energy to make clean, competitive energy a reality."
The anticipated solar output from this massive facility, estimated at 200 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in its first year of operation, aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 90,000 metric tons annually. This aligns perfectly with regional sustainability goals, as well as Bahrain’s aspiration to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2060.
With 189,900 high-efficiency solar panels spread across a massive area of 707,000 square meters, the site will host ten rooftop photovoltaic installations and four ground-mounted ones. This ambitious endeavor stands as a beacon of technological advancement and sustainable practice in a rapidly industrializing world.
As Bahrain embarks on this revolutionary journey, it sends a clear message to the world— that with the right partnerships and commitments, transitioning to renewable energy is not just a possibility but a reachable goal. The future of clean energy is indeed bright in Bahrain, setting an exemplary international standard for sustainability and industrial innovation.