National Renewable Energy Action Plan (RNEAP).

The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) is a comprehensive roadmap signaling Bahrain's commitment to a sustainable, low-carbon future. It underscores Bahrain's active pursuit of technologies that mitigate emissions and foster renewable energy sources. Developed by the Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) through extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the NREAP aligns with the vision outlined in Economic Vision 2030 and the Government Action Plan 2015-2018. It also addresses Bahrain's regional and international commitments under the Paris Agreement, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the League of Arab States Renewable Energy Framework. The Plan establishes national renewable energy targets of -5% by 2025 and -10% by 2035. These targets will be achieved through a proposed renewable energy mix comprising solar, wind, and waste-to-energy technologies. Integrating renewables into the energy mix offers numerous benefits, including optimizing indigenous gas resources usage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing economic competitiveness, mitigating electricity peak demand, and bolstering long-term energy security. Meeting the 5% renewable energy target will result in substantial outcomes, including the generation of approximately 480 GWh of clean energy annually, significant annual savings in natural gas consumption, financial savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the attraction of substantial investments.
The Renewable Energy Deployment Strategy emphasizes decentralized urban generation, large-scale generation on available land, and offshore generation due to land scarcity. Decentralized urban generation includes rooftop solar PV, solar lighting, and biogas plants. Large-scale generation opportunities include solar farms on landfills, utility-scale plants, and a waste-to-energy plant. Offshore generation explores wind power and integrating renewables into large infrastructure projects. Governance involves the Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) coordinating implementation efforts and providing technical assistance. An Implementation Follow-up Committee oversees NREAP execution, chaired by the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs and comprising high-level representatives from key government and non-government institutions.
The Renewable Energy Action Plan aims to establish a renewable energy market in Bahrain by creating a conducive business environment, enhancing expertise in renewable energy projects, integrating renewables into government strategies, and raising awareness. To achieve the goal, Ministries and government institutions are encouraged to integrate renewable energy initiatives into their action plans, demonstrating leadership and increasing visibility. Collaboration with research institutions will offer tools for feasibility studies and economic viability assessments. Both public and private funding are crucial for deploying renewable energy systems and facilitating capacity building. Proposed policies like Net Metering and Tender-based Feed-in Tariffs seek to draw private investment into renewable energy projects. Additionally, exploring global clean energy financing mechanisms and establishing a Bahrain clean energy fund will bolster research, development, and demonstration efforts in renewable energy.