A scientific study conducted by the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) confirmed that the Bapco Modernisation Project represents a milestone in Bahrain’s industrial transformation journey.

It embodies leadership’s vision of building a modern national economy based on efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, reported BNA.

According to the study prepared by a Derasat research team led by Dr Abdulla Al Abbasi, Director of the Energy and Environment Studies Programme, and Sabeka Ismaeel, Assistant Analyst, with the participation of Associate Professor Dr Mohammed bin Shams, Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Bahrain, the Bapco Modernisation Programme (BMP) represents an integrated model of sustainable development.

Valued at $7.3 billion, the programme is the largest industrial investment in the Kingdom’s history and achieves this through enhancing production efficiency, increasing value-added output, and reducing environmental impact, in alignment with the Bahrain Vision 2030 goals of 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 further emphasised that digital transformation and artificial intelligence have become fundamental pillars in refinery operations, using sensors and predictive analytics for early fault detection, reducing losses, and improving energy efficiency, thereby strengthening operational sustainability and long-term competitiveness.

The study also monitored the indirect economic impact of the project in stimulating the transport, energy, and support services sectors, in addition to contributing to Bahrain’s 2060 carbon neutrality goals.

It also predicted that the next phase will witness increased economic returns through integration between refining operations and petrochemical industries, especially since naphtha production has increased by more than 110%, paving the way for Bahrain’s expansion in high-value-added chemical and aromatic industries.

The study concluded that the success of the Bapco Modernisation Project represents a new launch point for developing Bahrain’s energy policies.

It highlighted 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 specialised training programs and research partnerships.