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The Bahrain World Trade Center, which is set to launch as the kingdom’s leading mixed-use commercial development, this week celebrated the successful installation of its three wind turbine blades ahead of initial testing.
This is the first time anywhere in the world that a commercial development has integrated large-scale wind turbines within its design between two buildings to harness the power of the wind to generate an alternative energy supply.
Lifting and installation of the turbine propellers began at the end of last week with all three propellers having now been fitted. The turbines will become fully operational after a year of testing following completion of the centre.
The three massive wind turbines, measuring 29 meter in diameter, are supported by bridges spanning between the BWTC’s two 240-meter high towers. Through its positioning and the unique aerodynamic design of the towers, the prevailing on-shore Gulf breeze is funnelled into the path of the turbines, helping to create even greater power generation efficiency.
Claire Hughes, Associate Director for DTZ Bahrain said, “This is an incredible moment in the history of the Bahrain World Trade Center. We are extremely proud to be the first in the world to integrate wind turbines into a commercial development to create an alternative source of energy. What we have achieved here in Bahrain demonstrates to the world how we are actively playing our part in addressing the global issue of climate change.
“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.”
Shaun Killa, chief architect of Atkins and designer of the BWTC, said, “From the outset, I had a clear vision of integrating renewable energy into the design of the BWTC. Through the support of the BWTC management and Atkins’ commitment to sustainability, we have enabled this vision to be realised.
“We hope it paves the way for designers and clients to incorporate renewables and energy efficient measures into their future developments to reduce carbon emissions.
“This project has given us great optimism for the future because we have clearly demonstrated that we can create a commercial development which is underpinned by an environmental agenda.”
In addition to the installation, the development continues to make good progress.
