In early December, state-run utility Electricity & Water Authority (EWA) will appoint consultants to carry out a study on the development of the plant, and cost the scheme.

Abdulmajeed Ali Alawadhi, chief executive officer of EWA, tells MEED the utility is already in talks with specialist companies in the wind and solar energy sector.

Alawadhi expects to tender the development in mid-2010. It will be the first renewable energy scheme in Bahrain. “The development of further solar and wind plants in Bahrain will definitely depend on the success of this pilot plant,” says Alawadhi.

He adds that EWA will finance the development of the project if necessary.

“Renewable energy projects have to go ahead to decrease environmental damage,” he says.