Th following article was published in the GDN today

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=335394

Deal to set up 5MW solar power project   Posted on » Monday, August 06, 2012

MANAMA: Bapco township of Awali, University of Bahrain and several other areas are set to get solar energy.

An announcement in this regard was made following an agreement to set up a 5MW smart solar energy project. The scheme will provide solar energy and increased efficiency through the use of smart grid technology.

The Economic Development Board (EDB) yesterday congratulated Petra Solar, Bapco and the National Oil and Gas Authority on this agreement.

EDB has been closely involved in the development of the project since initiating discussions with Petra Solar in the US in 2010. It also played an instrumental part in the committee that made the project a reality and assisted in setting up the company in Bahrain.

"We are delighted that we have been able to help make this happen. Investment in this sort of technology is a key part of our plans to create high-quality jobs for Bahrainis," Transportation Minister and EDB acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed said.

"This investment will not only create jobs directly, but also benefits for other companies by improving energy efficiency," he added.

"Solar power and a stable electric grid are critical elements to Bahrain developing economic and energy security," said Petra Solar president and chief executive Dr Shihab Kuran.

"In Awali, we are deploying solar power plus we are building a wireless smart grid network, which are the building blocks for command and control of smart cities."

The project will use smart solar technology which couples solar energy generation with grid reliability and smart grid technology.

The initiative will create jobs at several skill levels and provide a strong research and development opportunity for universities.

Featuring a high-tech research and development component inside Bahrain, this project marks the first step in plans to build a powerful ecosystem in Awali, based on Petra Solar's technology.