ACWA Power And Bapco Energies Sign Agreement To Develop 2.8 GW Solar Project For Bahrain’s Clean Energy Transition

ACWA Power and Bapco Energies have signed a Joint Development Agreement to collaborate on a major renewable energy project aimed at strengthening cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in the energy sector. The agreement was formally announced during the Saudi–Bahraini Coordination Council meeting held in December 2025 in Riyadh, marking a significant step toward deeper regional collaboration in clean energy development.

Under the newly signed agreement, both companies will jointly develop a large-scale solar power project in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The facility is planned to have a generation capacity of up to 2.8 gigawatts, to be developed in multiple phases. The project will integrate advanced battery energy storage technology to ensure a stable and reliable power supply. All electricity produced from this project will be transmitted to Bahrain’s energy load center, helping meet the country’s growing energy requirements and supporting its shift toward renewable energy sources.

This initiative is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as an energy export hub and further reinforce Bahrain’s energy security. By enabling cross-border clean energy flow, the project will contribute to emission reduction goals and provide long-term benefits for both countries. It also reflects the increasing importance of regional partnerships in accelerating the transition to sustainable energy.

Marking the occasion, Mr. Mark Thomas, Group CEO of Bapco Energies, emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement. He said that it represents a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to diversify energy sources and build strong regional cooperation. He highlighted that working with ACWA Power supports Bahrain’s ambitions for energy security and renewable integration while unlocking the full potential of clean energy technologies.

The project is aligned with the Bahrain National Energy Strategy, which focuses on enhancing efficiency in energy consumption, diversifying the national energy mix, and ensuring competitive and secure access to power. It also supports efforts to increase the contribution of renewable sources within the country’s energy landscape.

For ACWA Power, this agreement further expands its growing global renewable energy portfolio and highlights its leadership role in advancing large-scale clean energy projects across the region. The company remains committed to supporting countries as they pursue net-zero objectives and sustainable development priorities.

The Joint Development Agreement represents a major advance in GCC energy cooperation and demonstrates how regional collaboration can accelerate progress toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future.