The Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC) made history in the first week of April when its pioneering wind turbines turned together for the first time.

The three 29-m-diameter turbine blades on Bahrain’s iconic landmark are the world’s first to be integrated into a commercial development, and are forecast to provide the equivalent  of 11-15 per cent of power for the two towers when fully operational.
The successful installation of the turbines involved collaboration between Atkins’ architects and engineers and Norwin turbine specialists, who were in Bahrain for the inaugural turning. As well as the twin office towers, the BWTC incorporates a high-end boutique shopping centre, Moda Mall, along with a five-star Sheraton Hotel.
Ole Sangill, managing partner of turbine specialists Norwin who have been involved with the project from conception, was present throughout the installation process.  “This was of course a first for Norwin as it was for the real estate world, and we truly have pushed the boundaries of environmental architecture with this project. It is a testament to Bahrain that private developers are investing in sustainability and pioneering design, which is certainly the future of architecture as it shapes the planet in the years to come.”
Speaking at the event, Simha LytheRao, Atkins project manager, explained that the use of established technologies, including type-tested turbines with minimal modifications ensured that the additional cost incurred by incorporating turbines into the project was reduced to around 3.5 per cent of the overall project value, making it not only an environmentally responsible but also a financially viable venture. He also explained how the elliptical-shaped towers act as aerofoils, funneling and accelerating the wind velocity between them, and exploiting the unobstructed prevailing onshore breeze from the adjacent Gulf coast to provide a renewable source of energy for the building.
 The incorporation of large-scale turbines onto a building is a world first. During the proceeding months the turbines will therefore undergo detailed analysis and optimisation by Norwin to determine their actual electricity generation potential. The turbines are expected to operate approximately 50 per cent of the time.
The project has also been the recipient of international acclaim for its commitment to sustainable development, being awarded the LEAF Awards 2006 for ‘Best Use of Technology within a Large Scheme’ and recently the Arab Construction World ‘Sustainable Design Award’.  These accolades recognise the achievements of developments whose raison d’être is environmental protection and improvement, and provide public recognition for the individuals and companies who have attained the highest standards within the design and construction industry, a statement said.
Atkins is the largest multidisciplinary consultancy in Europe, the largest engineering consultancy in the UK and the world’s fifth largest design firm.
Its current projects include major infrastructure works such as the Olympic Park for the London 2012 Olympics; design and programme management of the civil works for the Dubai Metro red and green lines, high-profile resort developments, such as Durrat Al Bahrain, a spectacular 20 sq km seaside city resort on the south coast of Bahrain comprising 13 man-made islands; award-winning architectural landmarks such as the Bahrain World Trade Centre and ground breaking industry enterprises such as Manama’s Tabreed Cooling Plant
Atkins was named among the “20 Best Big Companies to Work For 2008’ by The Sunday Times and number 1 in Building Magazine’s top 250 consultants survey 2007.
Norwin boasts a high-profile within new technology, research and development. It has a strong home base in Denmark able to supply high-quality products to specific markets.
The company was founded in January 1992 as an engineering company by engineers from the former wind turbine company Danwin.