Sustainable energy unit for Bahrain to be set up

27/11/2014 06:16 AST

The Electricity and Water Authority and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have come together to establish the Bahrain Unit for Sustainable Energy.

Minister of State for Electricity and Water Affairs Dr Abdulhussain Mirza and UNDP resident representative Peter Grohmann yesterday signed the project agreement.

The unit will be responsible for establishing strategies, policies and legislation and for promoting initiatives and investment projects that boost energy efficiency.

It will also widen the share of the production of energy from renewable sources.

'There is a considerable potential for undertaking energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in Bahrain which will extend the lifetime of oil and gas reserves and enable long-term sustainable development,'? Dr Mirza said.

The project is based on a study carried out with the UNDP that analysed gaps in the energy sector and the feasibility of establishing an entity that unifies and consolidates efforts on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Mr Grohmann said the unit is also Bahrain's contribution to the Millennium Development Goals and the new international Sustainable Development Goals that will be declared next year.

'It will contribute to the worldwide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and help to slow down climate change, which is particularly important for Bahrain,'? he said.

The project fits in the framework of the UN secretary-general's Sustainable Energy for All initiative that supports universal access to modern energy services, acceleration in improving energy efficiency and the increased use of renewable energy in the energy mix.

The project puts Bahrain on par with similar initiatives in other GCC countries and will help to promote the exchange of successful international experiences for the benefit of Bahrain's ambitious development agenda.

Gulf Daily News