Bahrain's Energy Sources: A Comprehensive Overview

Bahrain has one of the highest per-capita energy consumption rates in the world, using almost three times more energy per person than the global average. The country is a net exporter of energy and has been extracting oil since 1932. It is also a major producer and exporter of petroleum products and natural gas. Bahrain's energy supply comes largely from the exploitation of its domestic fossil fuel resources, but the country is taking steps to increase its use of renewable energy sources.

Oil and natural gas

Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) and Bahrain National Gas Company (Banagas) are major contributors to the oil and gas sector. BAPCO, in particular, has been integral to the country's oil industry since its inception.

The Kingdom of Bahrain recognizes the importance of advanced technologies in the oil and gas sector. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the utilization of big data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), has had a significant impact on operations and organizations within the industry. Tatweer Petroleum, for instance, has leveraged cloud-based big data platforms and AI technology to enhance maintenance and predictive problem-solving.

Bahrain's recent natural gas discoveries in the Al-Joubah and Al-Jawf reservoirs, along with the 2018 discovery of the Khaleej al-Bahrain field, estimated to contain at least 80 billion barrels of shale oil, further highlight the country's significant oil and natural gas resources.

The energy strategy following these discoveries is expected to be decided in the coming months, and the continued integration of advanced technologies will be crucial for the sector's growth and sustainability.

Renewable energy sources

Bahrain has started implementing its National Energy Transition Plan, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's total electricity generation. By 2025, 5% of the country's electricity is intended to be generated by renewable sources, with this figure planned to increase to 20% by 2035. The country's Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), created by royal decree in 2019, is responsible for designing energy efficiency policies and promoting renewable energy technologies to support Bahrain's long-term climate action and environmental protection goals.

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) have set national energy efficiency and renewable energy targets of 6% and 5% by 2025, respectively. The NREAP target is set to increase to 10% by 2035. Bahrain reached its 6% energy efficiency target in 2019, six years ahead of schedule. To meet the country's renewable energy targets, Bahrain will need to produce 280 megawatts of electricity from renewable sources by 2025, increasing to 710 megawatts by 2035.

The proposed renewable energy pipeline includes solar, wind, and waste-to-energy technologies, with SEA intending to capture the majority of the country's renewable energy mix from solar power. SEA is planning a 100-megawatt solar farm project on the Askar landfill and a 50-megawatt initiative to install solar panels on the roofs of hundreds of government-owned buildings. To address land scarcity for larger solar farms, SEA is considering "floating solar" technologies to be deployed in Bahrain's territorial waters.

Offshore renewable energy development presents an opportunity for large-scale generation and higher renewable energy targets. Bahrain's favourable wind regime and shallow waters make it conducive for the installation of near-shore or offshore wind farms. Other offshore renewable energy options include connecting Bahrain and its GCC neighbours through an integrated network of infrastructure with renewable energy capabilities, such as causeways and railway systems.

Energy conservation

Bahrain has one of the highest per capita energy consumption rates in the world. The country's rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and commercialization have led to a fast-growing domestic energy demand, posing a challenge for energy security.

Energy Sources

Bahrain's energy supply is largely derived from domestic fossil fuel resources, including oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), wholly owned by the government, is a fully integrated oil company. Additionally, Banagas is a significant player in the natural gas industry.

The Bahraini government has recognized the importance of efficient energy use, conservation, and sustainability, and is taking steps to address the growing energy demand. The country has embarked on the Energy Efficiency Implementation Program and endorsed the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP). These plans aim to increase the share of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.

Individuals can also play a vital role in energy conservation. Here are some tips to conserve energy:

• Turn off lights and electrical gadgets when not in use.
• Use energy-efficient appliances, such as LED lights and air conditioners.
• Service, clean, or replace AC filters as recommended.
• Use normal water settings for washing machines and only run them when they are fully loaded.
• Choose energy-efficient models when replacing old appliances.
• Turn off AC in unoccupied rooms and use curtains to keep the room cool.
• Utilize natural sunlight during the day.
• Only heat the amount of water you need in water heaters.
• Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use.
• Allow hot food to cool before putting it in the refrigerator.

By implementing these practices, Bahrain aims to conserve energy, reduce costs, and preserve resources for the future.

Energy efficiency

Bahrain has one of the highest energy consumption rates in the world. The country's per capita energy consumption is almost three times the global average. This is due to a combination of factors, including a high population growth rate, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and an increase in tourism. The country's energy demand is expected to more than double, and the government is taking steps to increase energy production and promote energy efficiency.

Bahrain's energy supply is largely derived from domestic fossil fuel resources, and it is a major producer and exporter of oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. However, the country is also seeking to diversify its energy mix and increase the use of renewable energy sources. The Bahrain Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) is leading these efforts by designing energy efficiency policies and promoting renewable energy technologies.

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) have been endorsed by the Bahrain Cabinet and are being monitored by the SEA. These plans set national targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy and aim to achieve long-term sustainability for the energy sector. The NEEAP focuses on implementing a new green building code permit for all new construction, while the NREAP proposes to increase the share of renewable energy to 5% by 2025 and 10% by 2035.

To meet its renewable energy targets, Bahrain is exploring various options, including solar power, wind energy, and waste-to-energy technologies. The SEA is planning a 100-megawatt solar farm project on the Askar landfill and a 50-megawatt initiative to install solar panels on government-owned buildings. Additionally, the SEA is considering "floating solar" technologies in Bahrain's territorial waters to address the challenge of limited land availability for larger solar farms.

The country is also exploring offshore renewable energy development, taking advantage of its favourable wind regime and shallow waters for near-shore or offshore wind farms. Furthermore, the SEA is planning a waste heat recovery pilot program to capture excess heat generated by Aluminum Bahrain (Alba) and convert it into electricity.

In addition to large-scale initiatives, Bahrain is also encouraging individuals to play a role in energy conservation. This includes simple practices such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and maintaining AC filters. By combining national-level policies with individual efforts, Bahrain is working towards improving its energy efficiency and transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.

Energy security

Bahrain has one of the highest energy consumption rates in the world, with a per capita consumption of 11,500 kWh, compared to the global average of 3,030 kWh. This high consumption is driven by a growing population, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and a booming tourism sector. To meet this demand, Bahrain has become a net exporter of energy, exploiting its abundant fossil fuel resources, particularly oil and natural gas. However, the country is not immune to energy security concerns.

Bahrain's energy security is heavily reliant on its domestic fossil fuel resources and production capabilities. The country is a major producer and exporter of oil and natural gas, with the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), wholly owned by the government, serving as a fully integrated oil company. This reliance on fossil fuels, however, presents challenges in terms of sustainability and environmental protection. Recognizing these challenges, Bahrain has taken steps towards energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption.

The country's Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), established in 2019, plays a pivotal role in this transition. SEA is responsible for designing energy efficiency policies and promoting renewable energy technologies. Through initiatives like the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), Bahrain has set ambitious targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. Notably, the NREAP aims for a long-term sustainability goal by proposing to increase the share of renewable energy to 5% by 2020 and 10% by 2030, and further increasing it to 10% by 2035.

To achieve these targets, Bahrain is exploring various renewable energy sources. Solar power is a key focus, with plans for a solar farm on the Askar landfill and initiatives to install solar panels on government-owned buildings. Additionally, given the country's good wind regime and shallow waters, nearshore or offshore wind farms are also being considered. SEA is also exploring innovative solutions, such as "floating solar" technologies in Bahrain's territorial waters and waste heat recovery programs to capture excess heat and convert it into electricity.

While Bahrain's energy security has historically been tied to fossil fuels, the country is actively working towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. By embracing renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures, Bahrain aims to reduce its carbon emissions, protect its natural environment, and secure its energy future. These efforts not only address the growing energy demand but also contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development.

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