Bahrain has unveiled major plans to build a gasification plant which will use the 390,000 tonnes of household waste produced in the country every year to turn it into low-cost energy.

Chaired by Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the weekly Cabinet meeting approved the project.

A specialised foreign company will be licensed to undertake the gasification plant.

Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza yesterday briefed the session on details of the scheme.

The plant will produce a maximum of 32 megawatts of electricity. It will then be pumped into the public network.

The commissioned company will be required to commit itself to rules and regulations on environment protection.

Green energy in focus

Meanwhile, renewable energies and waste management are some of the topics to be explored at a conference and exhibition opening in Bahrain today (March 12).

The first Bahrain Green Technology Expo will bring experts together with investors, regulators and the public, with the goal of highlighting the use of clean technologies.

The four-day expo is organised by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife and will be held under the patronage of its president and His Majesty King Hamad's personal representative Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) has partnered with the commission as a co-organising partner to bring international experts in green technologies to the event and promote it globally.

It will conduct technical workshops, as well as promote the technologies to suppliers to exhibit in Bahrain and the region. About 100 companies will showcase their technologies.

The conference and forum will focus on four main themes: renewable energies, water management, waste management and lifestyle technologies.

Supporters include the ministries of Finance, Municipal and Urban Planning Affairs, Housing, Industry and Commerce, Oil and Gas Affairs, as well as the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The event will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre until Thursday.

The opening ceremony will be held at 7pm tonight. The conference will open from 9am to 5pm and the exhibition from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm on all days.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the free exhibition. – TradeArabia News Service