Bahrain’s Electricity & Water Authority has received eight bids for a contract to advise on a renewable energy pilot power plant in the kingdom.

The selected adviser will conduct a feasibility and assessment study for renewable energy technology in Bahrain. It will also advise on the design, tender and project management for the pilot scheme.

The project is expected to take the form of a hybrid solar and wind pilot facility for practical research and development.

The following submitted bids:

• Mott MacDonald (UK)
• Aecom (US)
• Lahmeyer (Germany)
• Atkins (UK)
• CRA International (US)
• ESB International (Ireland)
• Fichtner (Germany)
• Energoprojekt (Serbia)

A committee to study renewable energy was established in 2005 with the intention of collecting meteorological data. A consultation committee was formed in 2009 to initiate the development of a pilot project.

The Electricity & Water Authority has already conducted an initial study into the potential for wind and solar power in Bahrain. The survey considered the kingdom, as well as selected locations in the GCC.

 “The kingdom of Bahrain is seeking to make use of the renewable energies, particularly solar and wind,” said Bahrain’s Works Minister, Fahmi bin Ali al-Jowder, in January 2009.

Bahrain’s renewable energy ambitions mirror similar schemes currently underway in the region including plans in Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. Oman and Saudi Arabia have progressed further with specific solar facility plans underway.