Bahrain has taken a significant step towards digitalizing its energy infrastructure with the deployment of a private LTE (P-LTE) network by Nokia for the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA). This strategic implementation strengthens the Kingdom’s smart grid transformation, enhancing efficiency, security, and future IoT integration.
A Milestone in Bahrain’s Energy Sector
On 24th December 2024, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, inaugurated the Electricity and Water Control Centre. This state-of-the-art facility, developed in alignment with the Kingdom’s broader development goals, plays a crucial role in monitoring and controlling Bahrain’s electricity and water distribution networks.
The new Control Centre features four advanced monitoring and control stations and represents a pivotal step in modernizing Bahrain’s infrastructure. It manages 258 main electricity transmission stations, a 1,906-kilometre ground cable network, over 10,400 substations, as well as 46 water transmission and distribution stations linked by a 618-kilometre pipeline network.
Among its many technological advancements, the Control Centre is equipped with private LTE technology—making Bahrain the first country in the Middle East to adopt such a solution for national electricity and water management. This deployment underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to smart, secure, and efficient energy distribution.
Nokia’s Role in Enhancing EWA’s Digital Transformation
Nokia’s private LTE network is at the core of this transformation, enabling EWA to modernize and automate its power distribution system. The deployment initially focuses on Al Muharraq, with a nationwide rollout planned upon successful completion of the first phase.
In the initial deployment, the network will connect 500 secondary substations and six primary substations to the central location. Nokia’s comprehensive solution includes:
- Nokia IP/MPLS wireless router 7705 SAR-Hmc – Ensuring application-centric and reliable smart grid communications.
- Nokia Compact Mobility Unit (CMU) – Providing mobile packet core functions for mobile broadband, IoT, and Machine-Type Communication (MTC).
- Nokia Network Services Platform (NSP) – Automating network operations to enhance efficiency.
- Nokia LTE radio equipment – Delivering advanced capacity management and flexible deployment options.
By implementing a private LTE network, EWA will benefit from enhanced grid automation, reduced operational costs, and improved service reliability for consumers. Furthermore, the network is built on the 3GPP-standardized 410 MHz Band B87, ensuring industrial-grade connectivity and security.
Towards a Smarter and Sustainable Future
The Control Centre not only advances Bahrain’s digital transformation but also aligns with the nation’s sustainability goals. Solar panels installed around the facility and its parking areas generate clean energy, meeting approximately 50% of the centre's power requirements.
Looking ahead, Nokia’s P-LTE solution lays the foundation for seamless IoT integration, enabling smarter energy management and predictive maintenance. The adoption of cutting-edge automation technologies further ensures the resilience of Bahrain’s critical infrastructure.
The deployment of Nokia’s private LTE at the Electricity and Water Control Centre marks a ground-breaking achievement in Bahrain’s journey towards a smarter and more sustainable energy sector. This initiative not only improves operational efficiency but also positions Bahrain as a leader in utility digitalization within the Middle East.
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