“Ambitious plans to expand and modernise Bahrain’s grid system and boost electricity supplies are gaining farther pace as the Kingdom moves to meet growing demand for power and address overloading problems,” Dr Mirza told Oxford Business Group (OBG).
“Associated with these works, there are also 300 new 11-KV outlets being installed to coincide with the commissioning of new primary substations,” he said. “The first stage of connecting the new group of substations to the existing network should be commissioned during the first quarter of 2015.”
The full interview with Mirza will appear in The Report: Bahrain 2013, the Group’s forthcoming guide on the country’s economic activity and investment opportunities. The report will include a detailed, sector-by-sector guide for foreign investors, alongside a wide range of interviews with the most prominent political, economic and business leaders.
Mirza emphasised the importance of keeping pace with new technologies and said the government had earmarked $2.6m for smart metering technology, which would enable the authorities to install meters in new commercial and housing projects, while a further $13.2million had also been allocated for upgrading the back office resource planning system.
The minister highlighted the commitment to renewable energy initiatives, together with emphasis aimed at encouraging conservation and efficiency, were generating among investors. Mirza said a combined solar/wind/pilot plant venture, set to be built in southern Bahrain, should provide data and knowledge that will enable the Kingdom to decide how best to utilise renewable energy sources. “An engineering, procurement and construction contract for this project is expected to be tendered in early 2013, with the award slated for the middle of that year,” he said.
The Report: Bahrain 2013 will provide information on opportunities for foreign direct investment into the country’s economy and will act as a guide to the many facets of the country including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and sectoral developments. The Report: Bahrain 2013 will be available in print form or online.