Bahrain demonstrating wind energy - Arab Environment Watch

In a welcome move in the Arab Gulf Countries, Bahrain has initiated the demonstration installation of winde power turbines at the Bahrain World Trade center. We hope to see more green energy sources from the Gulf. Here is a story from UPI

MANAMA -- Large-scale wind turbines were installed for the first time in a commercial development Tuesday at the Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC).

Testing was expected to take longer but last week lifting and installation of the turbine propellers began. All three propellers have now been fitted. The turbines will be fully operational once the BWTC is completed.

The three wind turbines measure about 95 feet (30 meters) in diameter and are supported by bridges connecting the BWTC's two 787 foot-high towers. The turbines are positioned and designed so that the Gulf wind is funneled into the turbines.

The turbines are expected to deliver between 11 and 15 percent of the energy needs for both BWTC towers; between 1,100 and 1,300 megawatt hours per year. The use of the clean electricity is expected to prevent about 55,000 cubic kgC of carbon annually from being emitted into the air.

"The BWTC towers have already become an iconic feature of the Manama skyline and are increasingly raising Bahrain's profile, not only in the GCC region, but also across the world. The BWTC will attract leading regional and international organizations with a world-class business destination, which will have a positive impact on tourism, commerce, and numerous other financial benefits for the Kingdom," said Claire Hughes, associate director for DTZ Bahrain.

Construction on the building is progressing, developers said, and the shopping complex accompanying the towers is also coming along. The pre-launch of MODA Mall is expected in the next few months.