Bahrain's commitment to renewable energy recognised with World Bank visit

The delegation are visiting Bahrain as part of a study being conducted into the development of alternative energy sources in the Kingdom.

The delegation chose to visit the BWTC due to the environmentally sound energy provision being made with the largest ever integration of wind turbines into a building. Following the study an energy strategy will be prepared to consider all sources of fuel, including renewable energy, in order to ensure financial sustainability and conservation.

During their time in Bahrain, the World Bank delegation will examine economic and business opportunities for the Kingdom to supply alternative energy technologies and services for use within the country or in the wider region.

On their site visit to the BWTC, members of the fact finding mission learned how the turbines will provide a viable source of alternative energy, supplying up to 11 - 15% of the energy needs of the Kingdom's leading mixed-use commercial development - equivalent to lighting 200 to 250 homes for a year.

Mr. Simha Lytherao, Senior Project Manager of ATKINS Middle East, commented:" One of the overriding aims set out at the master planning stage of the BWTC project was to make the towers' design and function environmentally responsible. Being the world leader in the use of wind turbine power is setting a global standard; one which we are sure will provide the momentum for other projects in the Gulf region and beyond."

The building comprises two 50-storey sail-shaped towers, which taper to a height of 240 metres and support three 29-metre diameter horizontal-axis wind turbines. The elliptical shaped towers act as aerofoils, funnelling and accelerating the wind velocity between them exploiting the unobstructed prevailing onshore breeze from the adjacent Gulf coast, to provide a renewable source of energy for the building.

Mr. Hossein Razavi, World Bank Director, Technical Cooperation Department MENA region, said: "The World Bank has put forward a proposal for the development of alternative energy technologies and services in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is studying demand and supply to forecast future energy needs. We consider the BWTC to be a particularly inspirational project as, being based in an oil-rich region, it has taken a proactive stance which is sending a strong message to the world that Bahrain is willing to tackle the issues of limited conventional energy supplies."

Corporate residents of BWTC will benefit from the renewable energy created by the turbines and a number of other environmentally sound solutions incorporated in the building which combines the essential elements of business and leisure with cutting-edge corporate offices and business facilities. The towers include sophisticated SMART features from world-class connectivity to surveillance and security systems, high speed passenger lifts; and a full service business centre with video conferencing facilities, meeting and conference rooms. The development will also offer a wide selection of amenities including exceptional shopping in MODA Mall, fine dining restaurants, cafes, a health spa, and a five-star hotel, all supported by extensive parking facilities.

The project is making excellent progress with all major structural works completed, and the majority of internal works exceeding 80% completion. Over 70% of the office floors are ready for handover to tenants, and some have almost completed office fit out designs ready to take up residence in the coming months