Bahrain has opened a tender for a 100MW solar power project as part of its strategy to accelerate renewable energy adoption and diversify its power generation mix. The project, announced by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and is expected to reach commercial operation by September 2027.
The Bilaj Al Jazayer Solar Project will be implemented on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis, with the selected developer responsible for the facility’s entire 25-year lifecycle, including operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. The tender underscores Bahrain’s long-term goal of meeting 20% of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2035, up from just 0.3% in 2023, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The EWA has set strict eligibility criteria for bidders, requiring developers to demonstrate a strong track record. Applicants must have completed either three PV projects globally with a combined capacity of at least 100MW, or two GCC projects totaling at least 70MW. Additionally, bidders must have secured US$150 million in limited-recourse financing across three projects in the last decade.
Financially, individual bidders must hold a net worth of at least US$50 million, while consortium bids must have a lead developer with a minimum 15% equity share and a net worth of US$20 million.
Initially announced in August 2025 as a 150MW project, the EWA’s tender specifies a minimum capacity of 100MWac, leaving room for potential expansion. The Bilaj Al Jazayer facility will become Bahrain’s largest solar project to date, surpassing the Sakhir Solar Plant, which was scaled down to 44MW after receiving bids earlier this year.
The new project reinforces Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable energy transition and positions the kingdom as an emerging player in the Middle East’s renewable energy landscape.
