The Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning is stepping up its plan to use solar energy in the lighting of parks, public beaches, walking tracks and ministry sites.
This advancement is in line with UN Development Programme in Arab countries which aims to produce clean energy and sustainable cities.
According to the ministry, the goal of this project is to save energy, reduce the cost of maintenance and operations, and enhance environmental awareness in the Kingdom.
The Municipalities undersecretary pointed out that certain municipalities have already begun using renewable energy in parks, beaches and playgrounds, which has provided 15 per cent of the electrical energy consumption, thus facilitating self-reliance in generating electricity for lighting.
Examples of this can be seen through the use of LED lighting – with operation and shutdown controlled by daylight and through pre-set timings without manual intervention.
The undersecretary affirmed that one of the key projects using renewable energy in the Muharraq Governorate is at the waterfront along the coast of Busaiteen, with an area of more than 43,000 square metres and containing a walkway that extends over an area of two kilometres. Meanwhile, the Galali walkway, which is 700 metres long, is distinguished by its fully solar-powered lighting.
The Capital Municipality has also begun to rely on solar energy in Jidali Park, where solar-powered light poles have been installed. The park has an area of 977 square metres, and it features several different components for practising various recreational and sports activities.
Furthermore, Southern Area Municipality has begun utilising solar energy in a number of sites, such as Noon Park where eight lighting poles and various solar panels have been installed. Solar-powered lighting poles can also be found in Bukowara Park, while a number of solar-powered lighting poles were installed in Isa Town.