May 23 2012
Bahrain 's energy sector is posed for significant growth over the next several years, the country's Energy Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza said.
"Although being one of the smaller countries in the region, Bahrain, in its own right, will attract about $20 billion over the next 15 years," he said.
Demand for oil in the Middle East has been on a steady rise, causing concern over supply levels, according to Dr. Mirza. This year, consumption rates in the Middle East represented 9 percent of world consumption, compared to 6.6 percent in 2000.
"The Middle East, in addition to its role of being the leading producer of oil and gas in the world, is becoming one of the fastest growing areas of demand," he said.
To meet the growing demand, Bahrain 's government is investing $8 to $10 billion in the Refinery Master Plan Project, which seeks to update the country's refinery to meet market demands and environmental standards. Additionally, Bahrain plans to spend more than $25 million per year as part of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 to adequately train staff for careers in the sector.
Along with the refinery upgrade, renewable energy pilot projects are also underway.
SOURCE Kingdom of Bahrain