Abu Dhabi: Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, emphasised the importance of regulating the use of photovoltaic systems in industrial areas to achieve optimal utilisation of industrial plots and enhance the efficiency of resource use.
According to Bahrain News Agency, this came with the issuance of Ministerial Decision (39) of 2025, amending some provisions of the executive regulations of Decree (28) of 1999 regarding the establishment and organisation of industrial zones issued by Ministerial Decision (1) of 2000. This amendment aims to introduce regulatory requirements for the installation of photovoltaic energy systems in industrial zones.
Minister Fakhro underscored that the decision stems from the industrial sector strategy (2022-2026), which aims to support sustainable industrialisation, aligning with the national action plan to achieve carbon neutrality through a low-carbon economy and adaptation to climate change. The strategy also highlights the importance of creating sustainable opportunities in the new green economy.
The minister added that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is working through a set of initiatives to promote green production, such as the "Green Factory Labeling" and the "Industrial Transition Accelerator". These initiatives support the Kingdom of Bahrain's directions in achieving sustainability at various levels by encouraging factories to use renewable energy sources and reduce electricity consumption. Additionally, they prepare factories to achieve sustainability and facilitate their export, which requires compliance with environmental standards.
The decision regulates the mechanism for installing photovoltaic systems within the industrial zones of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to achieve optimal use of industrial plots in these areas. This regulation is based on several technical standards compatible with the regulatory requirements for construction in various regions in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The decision stipulates that it is permissible to install a photovoltaic panel system for tenants of industrial plots after obtaining necessary licenses. The panels can be installed on roofs and building facades, used as parking lot shades, and for generating renewable energy, provided that the percentage of the area allocated to the photovoltaic panel system in the unused space areas does not exceed 30% of the total area of the industrial plot.