First solar panel manufacturer of Bahrain blazing trail for renewables

Bahrain, a tiny island state of less than 2 million people off the Arabian Peninsula, has long punched above its weight economically, due to its rich oil and gas reserves.

Oil provides about 70% of government revenue — but Bahrain’s reserves are expected to run out within the next decade. This — and the global push to transition away from dirty fuels — means that the kingdom is looking for ways to diversify its economy and energy mix.

This is good news for Solar One, Bahrain’s first solar panels company. Since its founding in 2017, the startup boasts of contributing over two megawatts of solar to the country’s energy mix — enough to power around 380 US homes. It’s a drop in the ocean, but it hopefully marks the beginning of a sea change.

“Renewable energy is one of the key sectors that are growing in the region,” says Husain Mohamed Rajab, CEO of Tamkeen, a government agency that supports small businesses and has invested in Solar One. “The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) is one of the most energy rich regions globally and that drives a lot of interest from governments to support growth and development of any activity in the sector.”

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/07/middleeast/bahrain