Most of Bahrain’s electricity generation comes from thermal power plants (TPPs) that run on natural gas. The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, is gradually developing. Bahrain does not have nuclear power plants or its own nuclear program.
The initiative to modernize the country’s energy sector—aimed at improving energy efficiency, increasing the spread of renewable energy sources (RES), and diversifying the economy—is outlined in the government’s “Bahrain Economic Vision 2030” document. According to the outlined development trajectory, new projects for constructing solar power plants, modernizing power grids, and more are being launched. Consequently, demand for services from companies in Bahrain’s energy and construction sectors is rising, supported by the government’s program and the creation of new power plants. Notably, the Ministry of Electricity and Water (EWA) collaborates with foreign companies to implement these projects, indicating the market’s openness to international partnerships. However, a significant presence of Russian businesses in Bahrain has not been identified at this stage.
Bahrain’s electricity consumption market is substantial. In 2020, the GDP per capita (at nominal prices) was $50,863, with gross electricity consumption amounting to 21,617 kilowatt-hours (kWh), and per capita electricity consumption at 5,748 kWh. Currently, the share of electricity generated from renewable energy sources (RES) accounts for only 0.4% of the country’s total final energy consumption. Additionally, 100% of the population has access to electricity, with 99.9% receiving electricity from clean and sustainable sources.
Structure of the Country’s Energy Sector
Generation
Several power plants operate in Bahrain:
- Al Ezzel Power Station – A natural gas power plant with a capacity of approximately 942 MW, located in Al Hidd, Muharraq.
- Al-Dur Power and Water Station – A gas-fired power plant with a capacity of at least 2,726 MW, located in Al Dur, Southern Bahrain.
- Al Hidd Power and Water Station – A gas-fired power plant in Al Hidd, Muharraq, with a capacity of at least 987 MW.
- Riffa Power and Water Station – A power plant located in Riffa, Southern Bahrain, with a capacity of 700 MW. It is also known as Rifa’a and Al Riffa. The plant and all its blocks are owned by the Ministry of Electricity and Water.
- Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) Power Station – One of the largest power stations, with a capacity of 3,245 MW, located in Mazrowiah, Southern Bahrain.
Transmission and Distribution, System Operators in Bahrain
The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) is responsible for the generation and distribution of electricity in the country. It is also the main buyer in the electricity market, setting tariffs and market operating rules. Additionally, several private companies are engaged in alternative energy and energy efficiency initiatives, such as Tarsheed Energy, Renewable Energy Electricity Solutions & Construction, and Sunergy. However, most of Bahrain’s electricity continues to come from thermal power plants, which dominate the country’s energy sector.
The Bahraini government is attracting international partners for renewable energy projects. In 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bahrain Sustainable Energy Authority and the Turkish company GETAŞ for “high-tech renewable energy projects.” In 2023, the Bahrain Ministry of Energy and Water Resources signed an agreement with GETAŞ for the “largest solar energy project” in Bahrain.
Largest Companies in the Market
EWA controls and manages Bahrain’s electricity infrastructure, including power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks. The company also sets tariffs for electricity and water supply, develops energy infrastructure, and implements alternative energy sources.
Several other companies operate in Bahrain’s energy sector, including:
- Al Kooheji Electrical Contractors & Construction WLL – With a stellar track record of successful projects in Bahrain and the MENA region, Al Kooheji Contractors offers a wide range of services, including general contracting, design and construction, project management, and engineering services. Notable projects include Bahrain Bay, IKEA, and King Hamad University Hospital.
- Amad Baeed Electrical W.L.L. – Provides electrical contracting, installation, maintenance of lighting systems, energy-saving solutions, and consulting services. Key products include electrical substations, medium and low voltage cables, transformers, and fuses.
- Al Saad Power Projects Co. W.L.L. (APP) – Operating in Bahrain since 2006, APP specializes in civil, mechanical, and electrical construction. It offers services related to power transmission, distribution, and substations.
- Nass Electrical Contracting – A Bahraini electrical contracting company registered with EWA, known for its expertise in power distribution and transmission. Notable projects include Zayed Town, Hidd Industrial Area, and Durrat Infrastructure.
- Falcon Electrical WLL – An electrical engineering company and supplier of industrial and household electrical goods, offering a wide range of products sourced from various countries.
EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) Players
Several companies in Bahrain lead in the fields of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) in the energy and infrastructure sectors:
China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd. (CEEC) – A Chinese company offering EPC services across energy and infrastructure sectors, including power plant construction.
Siemens – A global giant providing EPC services, including power plant construction and energy management solutions.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction – A South Korean company specializing in energy and infrastructure projects.
Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd – A South Korean company involved in EPC projects in oil, gas, and infrastructure sectors.
TechnipFMC – A global leader in the energy industry, focusing on EPC projects for offshore platforms and gas plants.
For the previous articles in the Series see Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.
Special thanks to the team at Assettracing.com for their valuable input in research capacities, advice, and support with resources in preparing these articles.
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