The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has completed a major solar project delivering on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s 2021 commitment to make the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix green by 2022.
The project more than covers the energy requirements of the Formula 1 weekend, with excess to spare, and reduces the venue’s carbon footprint.
The photovoltaic (PV) project will be operational on race weekend, powering the Bahrain GP with solar, sustainable energy. The Bahrain International Circuit has also installed its first electric vehicle charging stations.
Additionally, the project generates significant energy cost savings and supports Bahrain’s commitment to sustainability.
The new on-site solar production facility will also support Formula 1’s plan to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Further project phases will see Bahrain International Circuit’s annual energy needs met sustainably and entirely from renewable sources.
The chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, said: “The swift completion of the first phase of the Bahrain International Circuit’s solar energy transformation is an important milestone in F1’s target to be carbon neutral by 2030, and in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Net Zero ambitions.
“In the coming months we will continue to progress a number of exciting initiatives focussed on further increasing our energy and water efficiency, as well as developing opportunities to expand our solar production.”
The president and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, said: “This is another very important moment in our plans to be net-zero carbon as a sport by 2030 and shows again the vision and speed of action our experienced promoter here in Bahrain is delivering.
“It is great that the energy requirements for the whole race weekend will be covered by solar energy and shows what we can do as a sporting community to make a positive contribution to reduce emission and our carbon footprint.”
The Request for Proposal (RfP) for the project was initially issued via the Government Tender Board in May 2021.
The project was tendered on a build-own-operate-and-maintain (BOOM) grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, with a minimum capacity of 3 MWac.
This was installed as car park shades at the Bahrain International Circuit.
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