Rooted in Heritage,
Driven by Progress
Our journey began in 1930, and over the decades, we have consistently innovated and adapted to meet the evolving needs of our nation.
1930s
Pioneering Electricity Governance & Power Generation
1950s
Power Infrastructure Launched
1970s
New Power Stations and Ministry Formation
1980s
New Desalination Plants and Increased Capacity
1990s
Ministry Restructuring and Hidd Power Projects
2000s
Electricity Privatization and Establishment of EWA
2010s
Capacity Expansion and Renewable Initiatives
2020s
Investing in Technology Infrastructure and Renewable Energy
Present
Leading in Sustainable Utilities
Today, EWA stands as a leader in utility services, committed to excellence and environmental responsibility. We embrace innovation and transparency, meeting our customers’ evolving needs and contributing to a brighter future for Bahrain.
Content last updated: 02 June 2025

1930
Electricity Sector Governance Begins
The electricity sector began to fall under the responsibilities of the administrative council, which was in charge before independence.

1931
First Electricity Generator Launched
Bahrain’s first electricity generator, with a 200 KW capacity, was launched in Ras Rumman. His Highness the late Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Amir of the State of Bahrain at the time inaugurated the station, initially supplying electricity to Manama, followed by Muharraq. The station had two diesel generators, each 100 KW, and employed 50 people.

1955
Inauguration of the First Power Station
His Highness the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa commissioned the first electricity station in Manama, Ras Rumman, featuring four generators of 1000 KW each.

1958
Establishment of the Electricity Department
The Electricity Department was officially established.

1970
Manama Electricity Station Established
The establishment of Manama Electricity Station with a 123 MW capacity.

1971
Formation of Development and Engineering Services Department
The Department of Development and Engineering Services was established.

1975
First Water Desalination Begins
Bahrain began desalinating water after complete reliance on ground water. Commissioning of Sitra Water Station, with a production capacity of 5 million imperial gallons per day.

1975
Establishment of the Ministry of Works, Electricity, and Water
The Ministry of Works, Electricity, and Water was formed under Emiri Decree No. (18) 1975, comprising the Works, Electricity, Water, and Research & Projects Departments.

1976
Commissioning of New Key Power Stations
Muharraq Station (39 MW), Sitra Power Station (125 MW), and Riffa Power Station (100 MW, reaching 250 MW by 1980) were commissioned.

1981
50th Anniversary
His Highness the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Amir of the State of Bahrain at the time, unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the 50th anniversary of the commencement of electricity in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

1984
Expansion of Water Desalination Capacity
Commissioning of new water desalination plant to increase production capacity. Ras Abu Jarjur (10 million imperial gallons per day), Sitra (increasing to 25 million imperial gallons per day), Hawar (40,000 imperial gallons per day), Al Dur (10 million imperial gallons per day).

1985
Inauguration of the System Control Centre
His Highness the late Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister at the time, graciously visited the System Control Centre on the occasion of its inauguration.

1992
Restructuring of the Ministry
The Ministry was restructured by Emiri Decree No. (3) 1992, whereby the Ministry was organized into two sectors: the Public Works sector and the Electricity and Water Sector.

1994
Hidd Company Commissioned
Commissioning of Hidd Power Company (246 MW), and Phase 1 of Hidd desalination plant (30M imperial gallons per day).

2006
Electricity Privatization Begins
Electricity privatization begins with the commissioning of Al Ezzel Power Station with a capacity of 520 MW reaching 950 MW, followed by the signing of the Power Purchase Agreement with Al Hidd Power Company (HPC.)
Additionally, Ras Abu Jarjour plant's capacity increased to 16.5 million imperial gallons per day.

2007
Establishment of the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA)
Establishment of the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) under Decree No. (98) 2007, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa established EWA to enhance the management of essential services in Bahrain, aligning with national laws and recommendations from the Minister of Electricity and Water.
2008
Major Capacity Increases at Hidd and Al Dur Stations
Hidd Power Company's capacity increased to 90 million imperial gallons per day. Al Dur Power and Water Station's phase 1 launched with 370 MW capacity. Phase 2 of Al Dur project produced 1,234 MW of power and 48 million gallons of water per day.

2016
Full Reliance on Desalinated Water
Bahrain became fully reliant on desalinated water, with 100% of groundwater reserved for contingency plans.

2018
Experimental Renewable Energy Plant Established
Establishment of a 5 MW experimental plant for solar and wind energy to reduce reliance on natural gas and lower carbon emissions, aligning with Bahrain’s 2030 economic vision.

2020
Inauguration of the first 400 kV Transmission Station
The Riffa Electricity Transmission Station, the first 400 kV transmission station in Bahrain, has officially been inaugurated as part of a project funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. It is one of four stations, including Hidd, Umm Al Hassam, and Ras Al Qurain, contributing to the development of Bahrain's 400 kV network, a first of its kind in the Kingdom.

2021
Commissioning of Al Dur 2 Phase 1
Commissioning of Phase 1 of Al Dur Power and Desalination Station (Al Dur 2) with a production capacity of 25 million imperial gallons per day.

2022
Al Dur 2 Power and Desalination Company Commissioned
Al Dur Power and Desalination Company (Al Dur 2) was commissioned, reaching a total capacity of 50 million imperial gallons per day.

2024
Inauguration of three STATCOMs
Inauguration of three STATCOMs in Manama, Riffa and Hidd, with a capacity of 200 MVAr each station.
2024
Inauguration of Hidd City Stations
Inauguration of Hidd City Electricity Transmission Station (220 kV), three 66 kV substations, and Hidd City Water Distribution Station.

2024
Electricity & Water Networks Control Centre Inauguration
Inauguration of System Control Centre for the Electricity and Water Networks aims to enhance the efficiency of infrastructure and increase capacity. The control centre has been equipped with solar panels generating clean energy that supplies part of the building’s electricity needs. The centre manages 258 main transmission stations, an underground cable network with a total length of 13,245 km and 10,497 substations. It also manages 46 water transmission and distribution stations and a pipeline network with a total length of 618 km.

2025
Khalifa City Water Station Goes Fully Solar
Khalifa City Water Distribution Station now fully relies on renewable energy, with 2,032 solar panels generating up to 1,400 kW and exporting surplus power to the grid. The system includes a self-cleaning feature, marking a key step in Bahrain's sustainability efforts and EWA’s commitment to renewable energy.