Bahrain's reliance on fossil fuels for its electricity generation is exceedingly high, with more than 99% of its electricity being produced from gas. This means that almost all of Bahrain's electricity consumption is derived from fossil energy, leaving nearly none from clean or low-carbon sources like solar or nuclear. The country is currently trailing behind in terms of adopting green energy solutions, highlighting an urgent need for diversification to mitigate negative environmental impacts such as climate change and air pollution caused by fossil fuel consumption.

Is Electricity Growing in Bahrain?

Regarding electricity consumption growth in Bahrain, the 2023 data indicates a slight reduction compared to the previous year. The per capita electricity consumption reduced to approximately 23,050 kWh from a previous record high of about 23,288 kWh in 2022, showing a decrease of 238 kWh/person. However, there is a positive note in the growth of low-carbon electricity generation, albeit from a very low base. The increase to 57 kWh/person from 52 kWh/person in the previous year represents a modest but crucial rise in clean energy generation, reflecting a small step toward reducing Bahrain's heavy dependence on fossil fuels.

Suggestions

For Bahrain to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation profile, it should consider learning from other regions successfully leveraging solar and nuclear energy. Countries like France, where nuclear energy accounts for 67% of electricity, demonstrate the potential for significant nuclear contributions to clean energy. Similarly, states like Nevada and Lebanon, with solar energy constituting around 30% and 31% respectively, underscore the viability of harnessing solar power. Bahrain could focus on increasing solar energy installations to exploit its abundant sunshine and explore nuclear energy developments, which have proven effective in reducing fossil fuel reliance in various regions.

History

Historically, the adoption of low-carbon electricity in Bahrain has remained stagnant. From 2020 through 2023, there was no recorded increase in solar-generated electricity, maintaining an unchanged trajectory. This stagnation reflects insufficient progress in transitioning to cleaner energy sources over recent years, especially crucial as the world moves towards more sustainable energy solutions. An active and aggressive policy change is necessary to ensure Bahrain can begin to align with global trends of increasing clean energy production, especially in harnessing its vast solar potential to foster a sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade