Manama, February 8 (BNA): The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) launched, for the first time in Bahrain, the Solar Energy Trees project.
The project, in cooperation with the Municipality of the South and with the generous support of BBK, aims to develop the Askar Coast with the use of renewable energy to reduce waste and consumption and create a clean and sustainable environment in line with the Kingdom’s 2030 vision.
The Askar Coast development project falls within the general environmental trends of the Kingdom, under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and is a reflection of the government’s interest headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince. His Highness the Emir and the Prime Minister in protecting the environment locally, regionally and internationally.
The project is characterized by the construction of tree-like structures that generate solar energy using photovoltaic panels. Energy is also used for the irrigation network and electricity consumption is reduced by about 20%.
The 1,200-meter-long project includes shaded seating areas, children’s rides, toilets and green spaces. It also has modern shaded family areas and is equipped with energy efficient lighting.
Old lighting will be replaced by energy-saving lamps, making the coast the first corridor in Bahrain to feature an integrated ecosystem, thanks to the full support of BBK and good work by the Al Janoub Municipality.
BBK Group CEO, Dr. Abdulrahman Ali Saif, expressed his pride in supporting environmental development projects that use alternative and sustainable energy.
He praised the constructive cooperation between BBK and NIAD led by its Secretary General Sheikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa and the South Municipality in developing the Askar Coast and providing it with alternative and environmentally friendly energy.
He added that Al Sahel is the first coastal environmental project to be developed by providing it with an advanced solar-powered irrigation system and equipping it with suitable and shaded seating areas for its visitors.
Saif stressed the role of BBK in supporting such development initiatives and its strategies to consolidate community partnership and sustainable development.
The Director General of the South Municipality, Assem Abdul Latif Abdullah, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Nayad for its interest in making Bahrain’s areas and streets green, and urged it to adopt initiatives that contribute to preserving the environment in public facilities, including the use of clean energy, such as solar energy to provide lighting in parks. Corridors and service facilities.
He also praised the role of BBK in promoting community partnership and its support for the first phase of Askar Coast development to turn into an environmental walkway that reduces consumption and creates a sustainable environment, with solar energy trees.
He pointed out that the project, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, will contribute significantly to reducing electrical energy consumption and preserving the environment.
Sheikha Maram said that “the efforts made by the National Initiative today in supporting and promoting the preservation and sustainability of the environment and the development of its agricultural resources for future generations are the result of the directives of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, consort of His Majesty the King, Chairman of the Advisory Council of Al Nayadi.”
She added that His Highness’ directives have always supported and directed all national institutions in the public, private and civil sectors and activate contributions to make them a tangible reality that enhances government work and preserves the agriculture and environment sectors.
Sheikha Maram said: “The Askar Coast Development Project is the first project of its kind in the Kingdom of Bahrain through the development and innovation of a modern environmental mechanism under the name of “solar trees”.
“These trees, through their solar panels, use renewable energy and cover the coast’s electricity needs, which contributes to reducing government expenditures while at the same time promoting environmental sustainability.”
She added that it is in line with the government’s vision to promote innovation in various fields, the most important of which is the agricultural and environmental field, promote the values of green environment and sustainable development, and encourage the use of environmentally friendly technologies.
Sheikha Maram praised the great role of BBK thanks to its continuous contributions in supporting all environmental initiatives that serve Bahrain and strengthening the community partnership with the public sector for a common agricultural and environmental goal.