Manama : Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated a 4.7 megawatt power station using photovoltaic solar panels operated by Imerys Al Zayani, marking the company’s 10th anniversary.
Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, and Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, were present.
Upon arrival, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah was received by Khalid Rashid Al Zayani, Chairman of Imerys Al Zayani Board of Directors and Honorary Board of Directors Chairman of Al Zayani Investments; and Alessandro Dazza, CEO of Imerys.
Shaikh Khalid was briefed on the progress of the production process in the company’s factory, which specialises in the production of white and compact fused alumina and exports to over 25 countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the private sector’s role in enhancing environmental security and its efforts in reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2035, and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. This is in line with the goals of the comprehensive development process, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and overseen by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and efforts to achieve environmental, economic and social sustainability.
He affirmed keenness on countering environmental challenges and sustaining the environment and resources, in line with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and the Government Plan (2023-2026), by focusing on energy sustainability and transitioning to it, as well as encouraging the national mix to be more renewable.
Those efforts, guided by the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) and the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), are two of the main priorities overseen by the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah added.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the diversity of Bahrain’s industrial sector and efforts to direct capital into specific and advanced industries to achieve the Government’s Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026), which focuses on applying circular economy and environmental and social governance to raise the industrial sector’s contribution to the GDP, increase exports of national origin, and create new jobs.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah commended the partnership between Al Zayani Investments and Imerys, a French multinational company that specialises in the production and processing of industrial minerals. He noted that their partnership was the result of the efforts of the Economic Development Board in promoting the kingdom’s role as a business-friendly environment and providing investment opportunities.
On his part, Khalid Al Zayani thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for inaugurating the station, commending the efforts of the Government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa he Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in supporting the industrial sector.
He said that the company’s approach of using renewable energy in its operations demonstrated its commitment to supporting sustainability.
With the installation of 8,600 solar panels, carbon emissions will be reduced significantly by 5,000 tonnes annually, which make up 15% of the company’s emissions, he said.
Al Zayani said that the panels will also generate 25% of the company’s electricity consumption.
