Towards a More Sustainable Future in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Towards a More Sustainable Future in the Kingdom of Bahrain

The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) is working to respond to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through several projects and initiatives aimed at increasing the contribution of renewable energy to the energy mix and improving energy efficiency across buildings, industrial, and commercial facilities. These efforts can be summarised as follows:

1. Increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuel sources: This is being achieved through the accreditation of materials and companies operating in the renewable energy sector. The government has adopted a national target of 20% renewable energy by 2035.

2. Improving energy consumption efficiency: Improving energy consumption efficiency in buildings and qualifying materials and companies in the energy services sector (ESCO).

3. Establishing appropriate specifications, standards, and procedures: These measures aim to improve energy efficiency, encourage renewable energy projects, and enhance private sector participation. They include updated building codes and specifications; appliance performance standards and energy labelling (Standards & Labelling); a net metering mechanism enabling individuals and institutions to install solar energy systems on their premises; and Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2023 to regulate the activities of energy efficiency service companies in Bahrain, which covers accreditation and qualification requirements, the establishment of a national registry of accredited companies, and governance of the businesses and services they provide.

4. Implementing projects and initiatives to improve energy efficiency and develop renewable energy in Bahrain: Most notably the Al-Dur project (solar), the Blaj Al-Jazair project (solar), the Kafa’a initiative to improve energy consumption efficiency in buildings, and improvements to public street lighting efficiency.

The Kafa’a Initiative

EWA recently launched the Kafa’a programme in government buildings, in implementation of Cabinet Decision No. 10-2729 issued on 4 December 2023, which aims to improve efficiency in government utilities and buildings. EWA seeks through this programme to identify high-consumption buildings, connect them with accredited companies, and support the implementation of projects covering air conditioning systems, lighting, and building management systems, alongside rooftop solar installations. In the current phase, projections across an initial portfolio of 20 buildings indicate the potential to reduce energy consumption by approximately 26% through the proposed improvements. These projects are expected to avoid approximately 6,860 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, with financial savings that allow project costs to be recovered within 4.3 years.

The Kafa’a programme supports Bahrain’s goals of reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. It also contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13 on climate action.

The programme reflects the importance of collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and regulatory authorities, and presents a practical model that can be scaled to reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and support Bahrain’s sustainability ambitions.