In 2023, Bahrain's electricity consumption is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with a staggering 99.72% coming from gas. This means that nearly all of Bahrain's electricity generation is produced using fossil resources, leaving close to none from low-carbon, clean sources. This heavy dependence on fossil fuels is a concern, given the pressing global challenges induced by climate change and the associated air pollution.
To shift towards low-carbon electricity generation, Bahrain could learn from other countries that have successfully increased their share of clean energy. For instance, countries like the United Arab Emirates have made significant strides with nuclear energy, achieving a 20% share. Furthermore, Lebanon's solar energy accounts for almost a third of its electricity at 31%, and Denmark attributes more than half of its electricity generation to wind at 52%. These examples illustrate that with strategic investments and policy support, harnessing nuclear, wind, and solar energy could greatly reduce Bahrain's reliance on fossil fuels and propel it toward a more sustainable future.
Unfortunately, Bahrain's history with low-carbon electricity shows no growth in this area. Since 2016, solar energy generation has remained at zero TWh each year up to 2023, reflecting a stagnant approach towards integrating low-carbon sources. This lack of progress is striking, considering the advancements made globally in the pursuit of clean energy. It is crucial for Bahrain to drive forward strategies and initiatives aimed at diversifying its energy mix, particularly through investing in nuclear, wind, and solar energy, to enhance its energy security and contribute to global climate goals.