Bahrain is set to develop a hitech solar power plant with a nominal capacity of 100 megawatt in collaboration with the private sector, reported state news agency BNA, citing the kingdom's electricity and water affairs minister.

The tendering process will begin in February and the project will be ready for operations by the end of next year, stated Dr Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza, the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs.

In 2016, the government had introduced the National Energy Efficiency Plan and the National Renewable Energy Plan, with the aim to provide five per cent of the country’s electricity consumption using renewable energy and resources.

This goal, which is expected to be fulfilled in 2025, will drive a wide range of energy and power initiatives across the Kingdom, said the BNA report.

Dr Mirza highlighted the government’s commitment to accelerating development across the energy sector, under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The Minister also highlighted the role of the Government Executive Committee, led by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, in facilitating investment within the renewable energy sector.

All these technological breakthroughs will help reduce the cost of production for solar panels and energy-saving-devices, he added.