Royal University of Women and Positive Zero unveil innovative solar shelter partnership

The solar carport project located in Riffa, Bahrain boasts a facility with a maximum output power of 3.75 MWp. The initiative is marked by a 30-year lease agreement provided by Positive Zero, covering the design, supply, installation, operation and maintenance of the solar carport. The project is expected to generate 6.6 GWh of clean energy annually, offsetting more than 4,500 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, the equivalent of planting more than 75,000 trees.

The partnership was recently launched at the RUW campus in the presence of key dignitaries including the Minister of Electricity and Water Management, His Excellency Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan; Ali Nematallah Al Nimaa, Vice President of the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA); Dr. Farzana Abdullah Al-Maraghi, Deputy Secretary General of the Council for Higher Education; Professor Riyad Yousef Hamzah, Rector of the university and members of the university’s board of directors and curators.

The agreement on behalf of the Royal Women’s University was signed by: Managing Director of the Management Board and Supervisory Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee Essa bin Mohammed Najibi, as well as Positive Zero co-founder and CEO Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain.

Professor Riyad Yousef Hamzah, Chancellor of the Royal University for Women, said: “Our collaboration with Positive Zero is an example of our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Adopting sustainable energy sources is not just an option, but a responsibility and a strong indicator of our commitment to adopting environmental sustainability initiatives and contributing to a smart and green energy transition.

“The solar installation project is a tangible embodiment of our commitment to protecting the environment and preserving energy sources, as well as an educational tool that allows our students to witness the direct impact of sustainable initiatives and inspire them to seek innovative solutions in their lives and careers.”

Professor Hamzah also expressed appreciation to Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water, and Ali Nematallah Al Nimaa, Vice President of the Electricity and Water Authority, for their continued support in implementing the solar energy project and their commendable efforts in developing renewable energy projects across the kingdom, in line with the wise national leadership and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

Once completed, the electricity produced by the RUW sustainable energy carport will be equivalent to powering over 550 homes per year. The solar canopy project highlights RUW and Positive Zero’s commitment to supporting Bahrain’s ambitious clean energy goals. These include achieving net zero emissions by 2060 and doubling the share of renewable energy to reach 20% of the total energy mix by 2035.

The project is being carried out in cooperation with the renowned solar solutions provider Sunergy Solar, which will handle the design, procurement and construction (EPC).