Electricity in Bahrain in 2023
Currently, Bahrain's electricity consumption is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels. Gas is practically the sole contributor to the energy mix, accounting for more than 99% of the electricity consumed. As a result, low-carbon or clean energy sources are almost nonexistent in the electrical grid, with their share being close to none. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels has significant implications for sustainability and climate responsibility, given the environmental challenges associated with carbon emissions and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Bahrain?
Comparing the electricity consumption per person for the years 2022 and 2023, there's a slight downward trend in overall electricity consumption in Bahrain. The latest consumption figure stands at 23,050 kWh per person, marking a small decline of 238 kWh from the 2022 record of 23,288 kWh per person. Despite the drop in total electricity consumption, there has been a positive development in low-carbon electricity generation, with an increase from 52 to 57 kWh per person between the years. Although small, this increase is a promising sign of Bahrain's tentative steps toward adopting cleaner energy solutions, even as the overall trend shows a need for greater electricity growth to meet future demands.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Bahrain can take inspiration from successful regions that have effectively harnessed solar, wind, and nuclear power. Countries like France and Slovakia have demonstrated the potential of nuclear energy, with France generating 69% and Slovakia 64% of their electricity from nuclear power. These examples highlight the feasibility and benefits of incorporating nuclear energy into Bahrain's energy strategy. Additionally, regions like Lebanon and Cyprus show that solar power, such as Lebanon's 31% from solar, can be a substantial contributor to the clean energy mix. By looking toward these regions, Bahrain can craft a diverse strategy that capitalizes on its abundant solar potential while exploring nuclear developments.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Bahrain over the past years has been stagnant, as evident from the consistent zero TWh recorded from 2016 to 2023 for solar energy. The absence of any increase reflects a critical opportunity missed in diversifying energy sources towards more sustainable options. This long-standing stagnation underscores the urgent need for proactive policy changes and investment to initiate and accelerate the integration of clean energy technologies. Transformative steps are essential now more than ever to align with global trends and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change while ensuring a sustainable energy future for Bahrain.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.