EWA solar energy systems workshop organised

Manama, June 24 (BNA): Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza has opened a second training workshop at the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) Training Centre in Sitra. The workshop offers an approved certificate for contractors and consultants specialised in the installation of solar energy systems.  The event was attended by United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Amin El Sharkawyand invited guests. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that such a workshop comes from the interest of Bahraini leaders in clean energy for the country’s sustainable development.  He said the EWA had received about 20 applications to install solar systems in a record period since the previous workshop.  Several foreign and domestic investments in solar projects had been attracted to Bahrain, he added.  The minister said Bahrain’s achievements in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency, including the adoption of the net metering policy, had attracted a lot of attention, as also the setting up of a 100-megawatt solar energy plant. He said steps have been taken to install solar panels on the roofs of government buildings in co-operation with the Sustainable and the Ministries of Housing and Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning. The first national awareness of Bahrain for the goals of sustainable development 2030 will be presented by a high-level delegation next July at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Dr. Mirza added that the second course is being offered through a dynamic programme by two renewable energy companies, J Lanka and CESI, to provide the highest levels of training and diversify experiences and lessons learned. The minister thanked the Sustainable Energy Unit and the officials of the Electricity and Water Authority and the two specialized companies for their cooperation and efforts which culminated in the establishment of this course and wishing the participants success in the training programme and in their future endeavors. Sharkawy thanked the minister on the positive and rapid steps to introduce renewable energy activities and projects in Bahrain and training contractors, consultants and technicians on solar energy systems.  He said Bahrain’s solar energy plans would allow people to install solar panels in homes, factories and hotels, which would enhance the role of the private sector in their deployment and installation. The training workshop will be provided for five consecutive days for contractors and consultants will then receive an approved certificate by which they will complete their accreditation with the two organisations approved by the Electricity and Water Authority.