Record demand amid heatwave: GCC interconnection avoids 2,700 blackouts

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Since its establishment in 2009, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Interconnection Authority has intervened over 2,700 times to stave off power outages across the Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

As scorching temperatures and record-breaking heat waves continue to hit the region, the Authority’s role has become more critical than ever.

According to CEO Ahmed Al Ebrahim, many of these incidents occurred during the summer months.

He noted, “The region experienced a significant increase in temperatures early this summer, surpassing historical averages.”

“Many countries have set new heat records, leading to an unprecedented surge in electricity demand.

In June, the GCC saw record-breaking electricity consumption, even though peak demand usually occurs in late July.

We have already exceeded the historical peak load for the region.”

Al Ebrahim highlighted that the interconnection network has demonstrated its capacity to handle sudden spikes in demand or unexpected outages, thus preventing widespread blackouts that could severely impact economies and daily life, as reported to our sister concern Alayam.

The increase in demand ranged from 3% to 10% across different countries.

“We expect further demand increases if the current weather conditions and high temperatures continue, particularly in August when people return from vacations and consumption rises,” he explained.

The authority has also launched several expansion projects, including enhancing the interconnection with Kuwait by building new power lines and a new power station.

This project, the largest undertaken by the authority, will provide Kuwait with approximately 2,500 megawatts and lay the groundwork for future interconnection with southern Iraq.

Construction began in 2023, with completion anticipated in the latter half of 2025.