MANAMA: In line with national strategy to shift towards clean energy the Kingdom of Bahrain is targeting to meet 5 per cent or 250megawatt renewable energy by 2025.
“The Kingdom’s the leadership is very interested in encouraging the use of clean energy for comprehensive development. Bahrain has established a sustainable energy center under the Minister of Electricity and Water to help reaching national’s targets for renewable energy, which is reaching 5% of the total actual energy production by 2025, equivalent to 250 megawatts in 2025 and increase to 10% in 2035, 6% to increase energy efficiency by 2025. This will result in diversification of energy sources and contribute to environmental protection by reducing the carbon footprint, creating new jobs and providing gas to the esteemed government and encouraging green economy growth for sustainable development,” His Excellency Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Electricity and Water, revealed during the launch of Bahrain’s 1st sustainable energy finance initiative bin the Kingdom of Bahrain BCFC.
Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company (BFTC) has launched the Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative (The Sun) for the first time in the Kingdom.
Speaking at the press conference, H.E the Minister Mirza welcomed the attendees and representatives of the local press. He expressed his sincere thanks to Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company for taking the initiative in this regard marking the importance of encouraging the use of clean energy because of its positive impact on reducing the costs of using traditional electricity and contribute for a cleaner environment.
Dr. Adel Hubail, CEO of Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company, delivered a speech in which he extended thank and gratitude to the Minister for his patronage and support for overcoming all obstacles to this product.
“The launch of this financial product comes in line with the company’s efforts to introduce innovative models in financial services to support of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, especially the principles of sustainability and competitiveness based on productivity, creativity and effective participation in the development of economic activity. The new financial scheme is based on the “Tenant-to-Owned” system, which provides an opportunity for the business sector to benefit directly and effectively from the installation of solar power systems in return for a monthly rent, which is determined by the size of electricity generated and available space in each building that allows the installation of solar panels on it,” Dr Adel said.
He hoped that this product helps to reduce costs immediately up to 20% of the total consumption of conventional electricity.
“This new financial product targets owners of all types of companies and property owners and houses in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and will provide a range of free services, including site study, the actual consumption of electricity calculation. Upon completion of the research and approval of the project, the company will design the optimal design to produce maximum power as well as installation and delivery, with a 12-year warranty against manufacturing defects and 25 years of power generation efficiency from the leading German Munich Reinsurance Company.
“The financial scheme includes all maintenance and insurance expenses throughout the lease period to ensure the most efficient operating conditions,” Dr. Adel, said, adding that the new financing product may be extended for seven years, after which the system will become all components free property of the tenant.
“Undoubtedly, there is a global trend to reengineering much of the supply chain, for products and services, to honor the basis of sustainability and protection of the environment. As the use of solar energy in the production of goods and provision of services is a priority in this global trend and embracing this trend can lead to reductions in production costs and translate to important environmental protections. Resulting in improvements to the competitiveness of these institutions through significant cost savings.
“Following extensive study of the most significant obstacles associated with the use of solar energy, especially the significant initial investment required of companies and factories intending to adopt solar energy, the Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative – The Sun, has been designed to address the barriers that have prevented the utilization of solar energy up to now. We are proud therefore to have reached agreement with Wuxi SUNTECH Power Co, based on their reputation as one of the top ten companies in the world for manufacturing solar panels. Some of their major projects have included, the headquarters of Google Inc., California, the headquarters of Siemens “Asia – Pacific”, the Opera House building in Sydney, San Francisco International Airport, and many other current projects in multiple cities around the world.”
Joey Zheng from SUNTECH applauded the BCFC initiative and said that it would to reduce the costs as well clean energy to help in sustaining the Kingdom’s environment from pollution.
