Feasibility analysis of the offshore wind energy potential in Bahrain using the RETScreen software

The escalating reliance on conventional energy sources for increasing electricity demands raises sustainability concerns. Therefore, current global commitments to mitigate the emissions of greenhouse gases do encourage national targets to go for renewable energy power generation that helps minimize dependency on conventional energy resources such as fossil fuel. Solar energy potential in Bahrain has been prominent, but wind energy is gaining traction as a cost-competitive alternative. With the overarching goal kept in mind, this paper focuses on converting wind energy to useful electric power to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Due to its small land mass, offshore wind could help Bahrain fulfill its obligations to mitigate greenhouse emissions. Wind energy potential assessment followed by feasibility studies for three different wind turbine types have been evaluated using the RETScreen Experts EOL 8.0 software and some of them demonstrated motivating techno-economic outcomes. These outcomes can be helpful for concerned entities within the Kingdom of Bahrain aiming to limit costs associated with subsidized electricity delivered to the community and mitigating emissions of greenhouse gases. Semi-islands within Bahrain's borders that are not totally submerged in seawater are characterized by their narrow shape and low elevation above sea level are targeted in this study.