Masdar from the UAE to collaborate on wind projects in Bahrain

Masdar, a leading clean energy company based in Abu Dhabi, has recently signed an agreement with Bapco Energies to explore the development and investment in wind projects in Bahrain. The agreement, which includes near-shore and offshore wind farms, marks Masdar’s entry into the kingdom with a capacity of up to 2 gigawatts.

Mohamed Al Ramahi, Masdar’s chief executive, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to deliver successful wind energy projects globally, both onshore and offshore. This partnership comes as Bahrain aims to reduce emissions by 30% by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, as outlined in its National Energy Strategy.

In a statement, Mark Thomas, group chief executive of Bapco Energies, highlighted the commitment towards diversifying Bahrain’s energy mix to include cleaner sources, positioning the country as a leader in renewable energy development.

The move towards renewable energy in Bahrain is part of a larger trend in the GCC countries to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero targets in the coming decades. The UAE, for example, is investing heavily in clean energy projects and has set a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Masdar, jointly owned by Taqa, Adnoc, and Mubadala, is active in 40 countries and aims to expand its renewable energy capacity to at least 100 gigawatts by the end of the decade. In February, Masdar completed the acquisition of a stake in the Dogger Bank South project in the UK, one of the world’s largest planned offshore wind farms.

In March, Masdar also agreed to acquire a stake in US renewable energy power producer Terra-Gen, further expanding its global presence in the renewable energy sector. The company is now considering entering the Chinese market, the world’s largest renewable energy market, to continue its growth trajectory.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), global renewable energy capacity in the power sector grew significantly in 2023, with China leading the way by installing 298 gigawatts of capacity. The Middle East also saw a record expansion in renewable capacity, with 5.1 gigawatts of new capacity commissioned last year.

Overall, the partnership between Masdar and Bapco Energies in Bahrain represents a significant step towards achieving renewable energy goals in the region and contributing to a more sustainable future. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the clean energy sector.