Major solar power push
A MAJOR sustainable energy conference aimed at providing a unique platform for sharing global ideas and recent developments in solar energy will be held in Bahrain in September.
The Solar Technology Energy and Environment conference is being held under the patronage of Electricity and Water Minister Dr Abdulhussain Al Mirza.
Investors are being encouraged to take part in the conference which will bring together researchers, scientists and experts in universities, companies and institutions.
It is being organised by Arab Gate Expos (AGE), MEPEX and the Solar GCC Alliance.
“We have been working hard for nearly a year in preparation of the first investment forum for energy, which represents a qualitative leap in the international conference industry, on one hand, and in attracting investment and capital, on the other,” said AGE chief executive Amira El Hassan at a conference held for Press and interested parties at the Golden Tulip Bahrain last night.
“The forum will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) from September 17 to 19.
“It will consist of three main events: the investment forum, with interested parties putting forward pilot projects, a transfer of experience and skills through workshops, as well as discussions and practical processes in roundtables.
“Secondly, the exhibition and conference itself, which includes a large number of major companies working in the field of energy in co-operation and supervision by specialised universities.
“Finally, the Business to Business (B2B) Roundtable Meetings between major exponents and workers in the energy sector.”
Organisers revealed that new technology, including a solar ‘flower’ that could open and close depending on need, would be displayed at the conference, as well as smart cars.
Germany Consulting Centre Bahrain chief executive Zane Martin said Bahrain and Saudi Arabia could be a “major hub” for solar energy in the region.
“The climate dictates that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia could be a solar hub for the region,” he said.
“The support is there from the government, with the Vision 2030 of both countries allowing for this field to grow.”
AGE exhibition adviser Mahesh Bhatia said that major companies from India and Saudi Arabia, amongst others, were set to take part in the event.
“Onyx Solar and Solar City will both be taking part, but we don’t have a specific investment goal in mind,” he said.
“We want to show that Bahrain is rich to invest and our intention is to provide an opportunity, face to face.”
The GDN reported in May that the first phase of the photo voltaic (PV) solar panels will soon be set up at several mosques, ma’atams and Quran learning centres selected by the Sunni and Jaffari Waqfs.
Technology
The project has been given the green light by Dr Mirza and Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa.
World Renewable Energy Network (Wren) director-general Ali Sayigh previously said it was realistic to expect Bahrain to generate 20 per cent of its electricity from the sun by 2020.
A project by the Electricity and Water Authority to allow homeowners to install solar technology in their homes to generate their own power is also expected to begin in the next few months.
Dr Mirza previously said it could result in savings of up to $270 million a year.
Last October, he revealed a five-year plan aimed to power all street lights in the country by solar energy and said new solar-powered LED lighting would replace existing bulbs.
