Electricity Minister receives top UNDP official

Manama, Oct. 15 (BNA): Electricity and Water Affairs Minister, Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, received United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Stefano Pittinato. Officials from the Sustainable Energy Centre were present at the meeting, which discussed the results of the implementation of the national plan for renewable energy, the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, which aim to diversify energy sources and conserve natural resources by activating the uses of renewable alternative energy and improving energy efficiency. The minister said there are several indicators that are beginning to bear fruit by attracting ideas and proposals for new projects in renewable energy. He said this indicates that Bahrain is on track to achieve national targets and the rates approved by the Cabinet to reach 5 per cent of renewable energy use by 2025. He said these ideas, proposals and projects give a strong impetus to Bahrain†s economy towards further development and prosperity. The minister praised the continued support and follow-up by the UNDP for all steps it had taken. He said it plays an important role through its membership in the national committee to follow up the implementation of the plans. The programme also employs specialized expertise in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy to achieve the desired goals and objectives in this area. The Sustainable Energy Centre was established in 2014 in partnership with the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs and the UNDP to promote clean and environmentally friendly uses of energy in Bahrain and to achieve United Nations goals related to securing durable and green energy for everyone.