Manama, Bahrain – [March 19, 2007] – The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC), which is set to launch as the Kingdom’s leading mixed-use commercial development, celebrated today 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 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 following completion of the BWTC.
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. Once perational, the wind turbines will deliver approximately 11-15% of the BWTC tower’s energy needs, eliminating around 55,000 cubic kgC of carbon emissions into the environment every year. Incorporating the wind turbines as an alternative source of energy for the buildings will generate 1100 to 1300 MWh per year, which is equivalent to lighting 300 homes for more than a year and will create substantial annual savings.
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. The BWTC will attract leading regional and international organisations with a world-class business destination, which will have a positive impact on tourism, commerce and numerous other financial benefits for the Kingdom.”
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. “The BWTC project sets a technological precedent which we hope raises the awareness of environmental design and its importance in the built environment. 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 of the world’s first integrated wind turbines, the BWTC development continues to make good progress. All major structural works, such as concreting, foundation and steel works are now complete. External cladding is now 70% complete, whilst internally, more than 20 lifts are operational, representing more than 80% of the total, and all mechanical, electrical systems, service floors, chilled water pipe work, electrics and fire protection systems are 75% finished.
More than 40% of the office floors are now ready to handover to tenants, with that percentage expected to increase rapidly as work is finished in the larger floor areas of the development. A significant number of tenants are already well underway with their fit out design programmes, with some of the major tenants expected to begin their full site works programme in the next few weeks.
BWTC is also able to announce excellent progress with MODA Mall, BWTC’s ultra high-end shopping complex. 95% of the units are now ready for hand over to tenants with the anchor tenant, Villa MODA, the Kuwait based top luxury fashion retailer, already fitting out its units. As planned, the pre-launch of MODA Mall will happen in the next few months.
The BWTC is situated on the Manama waterfront and in the heart of the region’s leading financial and business hub and comprises two 50-storey sail shaped twin office towers, the five-star Sheraton Hotel as well as Moda Mall, Bahrain’s only ultra high-end shopping destination featuring some 160 luxury retail outlets as well as a host of modern concept cafes and exciting casual and fine dining restaurants.
An iconic feature on the Manama skyline, the BWTC towers are the definition of prime office and commercial space, perfect for the most discerning institutions. In every aspect, the buildings reflect the highest standards of quality as well as unparalleled levels of technology, business support services and a host of other amenities such as health centres and sports clubs to enhance the work environment and provide for optimal levels of productivity.
For more information or to become part of the Bahrain World Trade Center, contact DTZ Bahrain on +973 17 540 330 or go to www.bahrainwtc.com
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