Masdar partners with Bapco Energies to enter Bahrain with 2GW of wind projects
Joint venture partnership to support government National Energy Strategy target of 30% emissions reduction by 2035 while exploring opportunities to develop new market sectors.
Abu Dhabi-headquartered clean energy company Masdar has signed an agreement with Bahrain national energy company Bapco Energies to explore near- and offshore wind farm projects under a joint investment and development partnership.
The agreement marks Masdar’s strategic entry into the neighbouring Gulf state and will support delivery of up to 2GW of wind power capacity in alignment with Bahrain’s National Energy Strategy target to cut emissions by 30 per cent by 2035.
In addition to the promise of accelerating decarbonisation of key industrial sectors, the partnership includes potential development of new market sectors as the Kingdom looks to its longer-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
Commenting on the announcement, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Office, Masdar, said: “As a global clean energy pioneer, Masdar will utilise its well-established expertise and track record in delivering wind energy projects globally, both onshore and offshore.”
Bapco Energies Group Chief Executive Officer, Mark Thomas, noted: “[This] marks a significant milestone in Bapco Energies’ pathway towards sustainable energy development. Our partnership with Masdar demonstrates our commitment towards diversifying the Kingdom of Bahrain’s energy mix to include cleaner energy sources, underscoring our role as leaders in renewable energy development.
“This strategic collaboration signifies a bold step towards realising the ambitions outlined in Bahrain’s National Energy Strategy, propelling us closer to our net-zero goals. Together, we will pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”
The latest agreement follows the December 2023 signing of an agreement with Mumtalakat, the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, to explore collaboration opportunities in the development of clean and renewable energy projects for Bahrain.
Under the MoU, Masdar and Mumtalakat will work together to develop a pipeline of renewable energy projects, supply cost competitive green energy to Bahrain, build local capabilities and foster innovation in the Kingdom through respective expertise and knowledge sharing. Opportunities for co-investment in other mutually relevant markets will also be explored.
Commenting at the time, His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat, said: “We firmly believe that through strategic partnerships with industry leaders and investing in sustainable technologies, we can contribute towards creating a lasting positive sustainable impact for future generations.”
In August 2023, the Government of Bahrain also signed an agreement to develop a 72MW solar PV power project in the southern city of Sakhir. Spread across multiple sites, the project will encompass rooftop, ground-mounted, car park solar power systems and electric vehicle charging stations at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), University of Bahrain, Exhibition World Bahrain and Al Dana Amphitheatre.
Bahrain News Agency also reported that the project will contribute 28 per cent to the nation’s target of achieving 250MW from renewable energy sources by 2025.
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