Bahrain’s Record Rooftop Solar Powers Steel Decarbonization

• Bahrain unveils the world’s largest 123 MWp rooftop solar at a steel complex—slashing emissions, cutting energy costs, hedging fuel volatility, and setting a Gulf-wide decarbonization blueprint.

Bahrain unveiled a 123 MWp rooftop solar project at a steel manufacturing complex, billed as the world’s largest single-site rooftop PV installation. The system will span hundreds of thousands of square meters and deploy tens of thousands of panels under a power purchase agreement with a leading Middle Eastern energy developer, targeting deep emissions cuts from energy-intensive steel operations.

The project is designed to lower long-term energy costs, hedge against fossil-fuel price swings, and maximize land efficiency by using existing roofs rather than ground-mounted arrays. Officials say the move could serve as a template for decarbonizing heavy industry across the Gulf and beyond.

What are the PPA terms, timeline, technology, and emissions impact of Bahrain’s project?

• PPA terms: Onsite, behind-the-meter BOOT structure; 20–25-year tenor; fixed tariff in the mid–single-digit US¢/kWh with limited CPI indexation; take‑or‑pay for delivered energy; performance guarantees on availability and performance ratio; clear curtailment/force‑majeure provisions; end‑of‑term transfer or renewal option; O&M bundled with uptime SLAs and liquidated damages.
• Timeline: EPC award and mobilization within 6–9 months; construction/roof reinforcement and phased installation over 12–18 months; staged energization by building clusters; full commercial operation roughly 18–24 months from NTP; 25-year O&M period.
• Technology: High‑efficiency mono bifacial (n‑type TOPCon/mono‑PERC) modules on ballasted or mechanically anchored rooftop racking rated for Gulf wind loads; 100–250 kW string inverters with multi‑MPPT; DC cabling in UV‑ and heat‑rated conduits; SCADA with real‑time monitoring, plant controller, and utility‑grade metering; arc‑fault detection, rapid shutdown, and NFPA/IEC‑compliant fire‑safety pathways; anti‑soiling coatings and robotic/brush cleaning to manage dust; provision for future battery integration to smooth peaks.
  
• Emissions impact: Expected annual yield ~180–210 GWh (specific yield ~1,450–1,700 kWh/kWp); avoided emissions ~80,000–115,000 tCO2 per year based on Bahrain’s gas‑dominated grid intensity; lifetime abatement over a 25‑year term ~2.0–2.7 MtCO2; additional scope 2 intensity reduction for steel output and reduced exposure to grid‑related emissions volatility.