A scientific study conducted by the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), titled Advancing Bahrain’s Energy Sector: Insights into the BAPCO Modernisation Programme (BMP), confirms that the BAPCO Modernisation Programme represents a major milestone in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s industrial transformation journey. It embodies the wise leadership’s vision of building a modern national economy grounded in efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.

According to the study — prepared by a research team from Derasat, led by Dr. Abdulla Isa Al Abbasi, Director of the Energy and Environment Studies Program at the Center, and Eng. Sabeka Khalid Ismaeel, Assistant Analyst, with participation from Associate Professor Dr. Mohammed Ali bin Shams, Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Bahrain — the Bapco Modernization Program (BMP), the largest industrial investment in the Kingdom’s history at a value of USD 7.3 billion, represents an integrated model of sustainable development. This is achieved by enhancing production efficiency, increasing value-added output, and reducing environmental impact in alignment with the Bahrain Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and reliance on knowledge and modern technologies.

The study states that the project constituted a comprehensive strategic transformation, raising refining capacity from 267,000 to around 380,000 barrels per day, which was enhanced to achieve a total capacity of 405,000 barrels per day after one year from the inauguration of the project. It introduced advanced refining and processing systems that enable the production of high-specification clean fuels, reduce emissions, and improve resource efficiency. The project also enhanced the flexibility of refining operations and enabled the company to process multiple types of crude oil according to global market needs.

The study concluded that the success of the Bapco Modernization Project represents a new launch point for developing Bahrain’s energy policies. It stressed the importance of continuing along three main paths: enhancing industrial integration through the development of complementary petrochemical industries; expanding digital transformation using artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to ensure efficiency and sustainability; and maintaining investment in human capital through specialized training programs and research partnerships.