Bahrain's renewable energy efforts highlighted

Manama, Mar. 27 (BNA): Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza yesterday spoke during the Business Networking Luncheon organised by the American Chamber of Commerce at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Bahrain Bay. The US Ambassador Justin Siberell, businessmen and economists from Bahrain and the United States were present. The minister thanked Bahrain’s wise leadership for their keen interest in encouraging investment in clean energy in their pursuit of sustainable development. He spoke of the 100 megawatt solar power plant being set up in partnership with the private sector and appreciated the approval of the cabinet of this project under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. He said the government is seeking to invest in renewable and sustainable energy, which is one of the priorities of the environment and urban development. The minister also reviewed the latest developments in the net metering system and spoke of the important steps taken by the government with the setting up of the Sustainable Energy Unit in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme. The unit is in charge of encouraging investment in renewable energy, such as solar energy. The government, he said, is committed five per cent of the total energy consumption in Bahrain by 2025 to be renewable energy, a figure that would increase to 10 per cent by 2035. The minister also spoke about the cabinet’s approval of the National Energy Efficiency Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Plan (NREAP). A national committee chaired by him has also been formed to implement the plans and initiatives. He said the Council of Ministers the introduction of the Net Metering system, which would allow individuals and institutions to install and use solar energy in their homes and facilities. The minister welcomed holding the forum in Bahrain, stressing the depth of the historical relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of electricity, water and renewable energy, as well as the long-standing trade and economic relations. He thanked American Chamber of Commerce Chairman Qays H. Zu'bi as well as the sponsors, speakers and participants for their efforts in preparing for the benefit of the national economy and the strengthening of historical relations. After the speech, the minister answered questions from the audience. The organisers thanked the minister for his positive response and his approval to be the keynote speaker at the event and wished him and Bahrain success, development and prosperity.