Solar milestone: Bahrain unveils 150MW solar project to power over 6,000 homes

TL;DR:

• Bahrain launches 150MW solar project as per an official announcement. The Kingdom’s first major utility-scale solar power project is set for South Bahrain, covering 1.2 km², with operations expected by Q3 2027.
  
  
• National renewable goals in focus as the plant supports Bahrain’s targets of 5% renewable energy by 2025, 20% by 2035, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
  
  
• The project, led by EWA with technical and financial advisory from top firms like KPMG and WSP, will invite international bids in August 2025, emphasizing private sector involvement in clean energy development.
  

Bahrain has launched its first-ever large-scale solar power plant project, a major milestone in the country’s clean energy journey and commitment to environmental sustainability. Announced by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), the solar plant will have a planned capacity of 150 megawatts and will be located in the southern region near Bilaj Al Jazayer, covering about 1.2 square kilometers. The development is a public-private partnership, reflecting Bahrain’s intent to accelerate private sector involvement in the energy transition.

Project details

• Capacity: 150MW (megawatts)
• Location: South Bahrain, near Bilaj Al Jazayer
• Project Area: Approximately 1.2km²
• Timeline:
  
  
  • A Global Market Sounding will invite interest from local and international developers starting August 14, 2025.
  • Official project tendering begins Q4 2025.
  • Commercial operations are expected in Q3 2027

A consortium of experienced firms has been appointed to guide the project:

• KPMG Fakhro (Financial Advisor)
• WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff (Technical Advisor)
• Trowers & Hamlins (Legal Advisor)

Strategic importance

This solar project is a central part of Bahrain’s National Renewable Energy Plan which targets raising the share of renewables to 20% of the energy mix by 2035. The plant alone is expected to:

• Generate enough electricity to power 6,300 homes
• Offset over 100,000 tons of carbon emissions each year
• Directly support Bahrain’s long-term ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060

WA President HE Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed underscored the initiative’s role in ensuring energy security, attracting private sector expertise, and positioning Bahrain as a regional leader in renewable energy development.

Broader clean energy context
This flagship solar facility outpaces previous local solar projects in both size and ambition. It will utilize advanced photovoltaic technologies and is expected to set the benchmark for future clean energy investments in the Kingdom, aligning with the NREAP (National Renewable Energy Action Plan) targets and the global shift towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Bahrain’s clean energy targets, as set by its national plans:

• 5% renewables by 2025
• 20% renewables by 2035
• Net-zero emissions by 2060

Once operational, the 150MW solar plant will be a cornerstone in Bahrain’s energy transition, contributing to sustainable growth and supporting economic diversification under the country’s Vision 2030 framework.
For developers and stakeholders wishing to participate further, EWA is opening the process to international interest, ensuring Bahrain’s renewable sector develops with the world’s latest technology and expertise.

This project highlights Bahrain's focus on practical, large-scale solutions in clean energy and its determination to deliver real progress on climate goals.