Energy Minister chairs fifth National Committee meeting

Manama : Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza yesterday presented a detailed plan for implementing the initiatives and programmes under the National Energy Efficiency Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Plan (NREAP).

The plan was presented during the fifth meeting of the National Committee to follow up the implementation of the energy efficiency plan and renewable energy plan. Members of the committee consisting of 14 senior officials in several ministries and government agencies attended.

The meeting reviewed a government decision, represented by the Coordinating Committee chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, held on November 16 last year on the net measurement policy for renewable energy initiatives and its implementation next year.

Discussions also focused on the latest developments and achievements of the subcommittee on the work of the Green Public Procurement Initiative, which is currently considering an amendment to take into account the commitment of contractors and suppliers to energy efficiency standards and use of environmentally friendly materials.

The meeting discussed various national energy efficiency and renewable energy projects - in particular, the latest developments in the issuance of central cooling regulations, green buildings, waste to energy and other follow-up Under the National Energy Efficiency Plan (NEEAP).

The National Renewable Energy Plan

The National Renewable Energy Plan envisages installation of solar panels on rooftops, wind power projects on land and at sea, major solar power plant projects, solar home installation requirements and new projects (housing and investment projects), renewable energy requirements in new infrastructure projects such as bridges and railways ferrous metals and power generation of organic materials extracted from wastewater.