The Khalifa City water distribution station is now running on solar energy. The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has installed 2,032 solar panels, generating up to 1,400 kilowatts (kW) of clean electricity. Any extra power goes straight to the national grid.
The solar panels sit on the rooftops of underground water reservoirs. They come with a self-cleaning system and smart monitoring technology. This station is now the eleventh EWA facility using solar power as part of a wider effort to bring more renewable energy into Bahrain’s infrastructure.
Bahrain has other renewable energy projects in different sectors. The Bahrain International Circuit has installed solar panels with a total capacity of 3 MW to power some of its operations. The University of Bahrain has added rooftop solar panels to its campus buildings, producing 500 kW of clean energy.
Smaller solar energy projects have also been introduced. Some public schools have installed solar panels to reduce electricity costs. The Bahrain Mall has integrated a 1 MW solar power system to support its energy needs.
The Ministry of Transportation has launched a pilot project using solar-powered bus stops in Manama. These bus stops have solar panels that provide energy for lighting and digital displays. The Bahrain Airport Company has installed solar panels at Bahrain International Airport. The system generates electricity for terminal buildings and reduces dependence on the main grid.
EWA has also started installing floating solar panels at reservoirs to generate clean energy while reducing water evaporation. A pilot project at one reservoir is producing 250 kW of electricity. Bahrain continues to expand solar energy projects in different sectors. The country is increasing its use of renewable energy to support electricity needs in public facilities, businesses, and transportation.
