In line with Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan catalyzing over $30 billion of investments in strategic projects across the kingdom, the country’s Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs (EWA) has reportedly received proposals from seven bidders for its 72-megawatt (MW) multi-site, grid-tied, solar photovoltaic power project.

The tender aims to construct solar panels in the Bahrain International Circuit, University of Bahrain, Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre, and Al Dana Amphitheatre.

To qualify for the tender, bidders need to be in the business of solar PV energy and have successfully commissioned at least ten grid-tied solar PV projects (out of which at least five are solar PV car park projects), the ministry said.

“The launch of this tender comes as part of the kingdom’s wider vision to adopt a circular carbon economy, with the aim to bring carbon emissions in Bahrain to net zero by 2060 in line with its national commitments to protect the environment and combat climate change,” Yasser bin Ebrahim Humaidan, Bahrain’s Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs said in a statement.

Key entities bidding for the project included Alpha Energy Generations Co; DEFT Contractors; Tarsheed Energy Consultation and Services; Yellow Door Energy and Safeer For Renewable Energy.

Reportedly, the suspended proposals were from Oak Energy and Infrastructure Solutions (BHD .018) and Green Innova Trading (BHD 21.211).

The project procured on Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) basis for 20 years, includes rooftop, ground-mounted, car park solar power systems and electric vehicle charging stations at five locations, a press release said.