Energy Investment Forum and solar expo begins in Bahrain

Manama : Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza inaugurated the first Energy Investment Forum and the Solar Technology Energy & Environment in Bahrain Expo 2017 (STEEB) at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday. The three-day forum, organised by AGE in cooperation with Tamkeen, was attended by Moroccan Minister of Energy, Mines, Water and Sustainable Development Aziz Rebbah alongside officials and experts from the renewable energy field, investment companies and manufacturing companies.

In his keynote speech, Dr Mirza thanked the leadership for their support to such events, lauding contribution of ministries and government bodies to enable the owners of small and medium enterprises to learn about solar energy. 

He said the Bahraini government set up the Sustainable Energy Unit in 2014, which is a testimony to the leadership’s resolve to diversify energy sources. He outlined the unit’s achievements, pointing out the benefits to be drawn from renewable energy. 

“The vision behind this initiative is to create a unique platform for researchers and entrepreneurs to meet, debate and come up with possible long-term solutions for implementing renewable energy in the Kingdom,” said Eng. Amira Al Hasan, CEO of Arab Gate Expos.

“This forum is one of the many steps to bring awareness in the Kingdom about solar energy.  Through this forum, we are trying to initiate discussions and possible solutions and most importantly how solar energy can be made affordable and within the reach of every individual and how it can be the most sustainable way of energy in the Kingdom,” said Eng Raghunadha Vadlamudi, country representative of Solar Industry Association Bahrain.

Speakers from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UK, Italy, India, Egypt, Estovania, Palestine, Morroco addressed the forum on the policies, regulations, efficiency of renewable energy in their countries. 

The forum also covered topics on how to develop solar energy projects in the MENA region, specifically Bahrain, financing and incentives and application related to renewable energy. The forum will further elaborate on various other aspects related to the renewable energy today.