Bahrain Formula 1 Circuit Tenders for 3 MW Solar Project

Bahrain International Circuit, the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, has partnered with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), to issue an international public tender for the development of a major new solar farm of 3MW, to be positioned at the circuit.

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is located in the center of the Sakhir desert. BIC features five FIA-certified track layouts, this allows the circuit to host a range of motor racing events. The 5.412-kilometer Grand Prix Track regularly hosts international races, including the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and others.

The tender issued under Build Own Operate and Maintain (BOOM) model for grid-tied solar PV power plant with a minimum capacity of 3 MWac. This will be installed as car park shades (carports)at the Bahrain International Circuit. The selected bidder or bidders are asked for a 20 Year Contract period under the tender.

Speaking of the project, “The launch of the tender for our solar project is an important milestone for our solar project and we invite qualified organizations from all over the world to submit their proposals for this landmark initiative, said Fayez Ramzy Fayez, Chief Operating Officer at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Fayez further expressed on the partnership, “Together with the Sustainable Energy Authority, we look forward to working through the phases of this project for delivery by early next year.”

According to the Bahrain International Circuit, this new 3 MW project is expected to deliver enough energy to power the entire Formula 1 race weekend. Also, it will support Bahrain’s commitment to boost renewable energy use in the Kingdom and Formula 1’s plan to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. This solar plant endeavors to reduce the Formula 1 Circuit’s carbon footprint along with generating notable savings on overall energy costs.

Formula 1 cars of course could do with a little greening, as an audit conducted by the FIA found that F1’s driving activities produce approximately 256,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

The cars themselves are not the culprits here, accounting for only 0.7 per cent of the sport’s emissions in 2019 It is the logistics of transporting teams and equipment across the globe that accounts for accounts for 45 per cent of F1’s emissions .A typical F1 team can move around with over 80 tonnes of equipment requirements, including the cars. These numbers do not take into account the carbon footprint of fans and supporters who travel and stay at the venues for the many races.

For long term sustainability, the sport is moving towards using 100% sustainable fuels by 2026. F1 cars already use biofuels but current regulations only mandate that the fuel include 5.75% of bio-components. In 2022 that number will increase to 10% and by 2025, when new power units are proposed to enter the competition, the FIA hopes to transition completely to 100% advanced sustainable fuels.

For transportation and logistics, the FIA hopes to move to “ultra-efficient” travel and logistics and 100% renewably powered offices, facilities and factories. All race day events will be 100% sustainable by 2025, with all waste being recycled, reused or composted.