Electricty minister receives UN official

Manama, July 29 (BNA): Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza received United Nations Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative, Saad Amin Al-Sharqawi, and discussed the initiatives adopted within the National Renewable Energy Implementation Plan and mechanisms to encourage the private sector to seriously consider the option of solar energy. This is aimed at supporting the solar energy market and reducing dependence on natural gas while contributing to the conservation of energy, in line with the sustainable development goals. The minister said he is confident that solar energy will constitute five per cent of total renewable energy use by 2025. He said it would help Bahrain attract new investment opportunities and create jobs for the youth. Mr. Al-Sharqawi said that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to support the Sustainable Energy Unit by providing the necessary technical expertise to achieve the objectives of the National Renewable Energy Plan. He said this would support Bahrain in achieving the goals of sustainable development, especially with regard to energy efficiency and renewable energy. Mr. Al-Sharqawi added that the goals of sustainable development are a strategic framework for all countries and equally important for both developed and developing countries until 2030 and provide an opportunity to respond to the aspirations of the world's citizens for a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world and future. This, he said, has also been reflected in the five pillars of sustainable development - prosperity, partnership, peace, planet and people. WHQ