Bahrain announces zero-emission target from 2022
The Bahrain International Circuit is gearing up for a major ecological shift in the way it hosts sporting events and Formula 1 racing.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of the Kingdom of Bahrain conducted a feasibility study of the project, concluded in recent days. Once this is done, Formula 1 and the Bahrain Circuit jointly announced on Thursday, March 26 that the site would operate exclusively on renewable energy from 2022.
The energy produced should in principle cover not only the circuit’s needs over a weekend, but also all its annual needs, with some margin and savings in sight. This new operation is part of the commitments of the Kingdom of Bahrain to shift towards renewable energies.
For Stefano Domenicali, the new president of Formula 1, this initiative is a source of great satisfaction: « We are particularly proud of the efforts made to make the sport more sustainable and to achieve more ambitious projects in the years to come. This is a good illustration of the measures taken by the country to advance its sustainable development plans, notably through new technologies and innovation. It aligns with our own carbon neutrality strategy, on the track and beyond.
Ambitious projects, an example for society.
The transition to 100% renewable energy at the Bahrain Circuit is in perfect alignment with Formula 1’s projects. The premier racing category aims to become carbon neutral by 2030. The same goes for the Emirates circuit. Its general director, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, emphasizes the impact this initiative can have on society: « This commitment represents a large part of the sustainable development goals for our circuit. It also supports F1’s zero carbon target for 2030. But we do not want to limit this transition to renewable energies to our Formula 1 Grand Prix alone. We hope to encourage other major events and sports enthusiasts to initiate this change. »
The works will start this summer and will be completed in early next year, just before the Bahrain Grand Prix.
One of the annual night routes
The Bahrain Grand Prix has been held for more than 10 years with a time difference to allow for a night race. This particularity consumes a lot of energy to light up the track. This is notably what makes the circuit one of the most energy intensive of the season.
Formula 1 cars will of course not be converted to electric for the occasion but a compensation system has been adopted and will allow solar panels to offset the consumption and emissions of the single-seaters, trucks, and planes required for the organization of the Grand Prix.
