Bahrain has appointed Cesi, a global leader in technical consulting and engineering, to support its Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) to develop the technical and regulatory requirements related to connecting distributed renewable energy resources into Bahrain’s national electricity grid owned by Electricity and Water Authority Bahrain (EWA).

The SEU’s key objectives are to create an efficient and sustainable energy policy, encourage the use of renewables and raise awareness towards energy conservation.

Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr Abdul-Hussain Ali Mirza welcomed Cesi’s appointment to work closely with the SEU as a lead consultant in the technical integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems across Bahrain.

During a meeting with Cesi senior officials in Bahrain, Dr Mirza said: “Within the government entities including in our case, the Electricity and Water Authority, active steps are being undertaken by all stakeholders, in all aspects of energy sustainability including the focus to support initiatives centered on enhancement of energy efficiency and achieving clean energy production through the promotion of renewable energy deployment.”

The meeting was attended by Dr Floris Hendrikus Schulze, managing director, Cesi Middle East; Jehan Al Murbati, executive director, SEU; and other senior officials.

Dr Mirza elaborated: “Cesi was selected after careful evaluation of a number of bids for this extensive and important assignment, and was based on the company’s track record and expertise in this undertaking, which make it a perfect fit to support the country in building a solid and sustainable framework moving forward.”

The minister said Bahrain has increasingly recognised the growing importance of renewable energy as demand increases. In particular, solar PV systems have been a particular focus of interest for the kingdom.

SEU has tasked Cesi with finding solutions which include connecting renewable generation projects, increasing solar distributed generators and providing recommendations to speed up the growth of the PV market.

Other aspects of the deal will be to monitor and control PV generators, how they communicate with each other, and provide recommendations on implementing a modified billing invoicing procedure.

The minister iterated Cesi’s assignment specific goals including primarily to develop the grid connection guidelines and standards for decentralised solar PV systems designed for low and medium voltage distribution networks; develop all the necessary fire, safety and other international compliance measures; and to develop accurate certification process and the entailing training programmes.

Cesi’s CEO Dr Matteo Codazzi said: “We are delighted to work with the Kingdom of Bahrain SEU in such a crucial project, focused on integrating and connecting renewables into the electricity grid.  Based on our experience, a holistic and long-term approach to system design is key when planning variable renewables integration.”

Bahrain’s National Plan for Energy Efficiency (NEEAP) and the National Plan for Renewable Energy (NREAP) has the following principal targets:
* A 6 per cent national electrical energy efficiency by year 2025;
* A 5 per cent contribution from renewable energies by the year 2025, rising to 10 per cent by 2035. -TradeArabia News Service