Bahrain's Electricity Minister visits solar power plant

Abu Dhabi, Jan. 15 (BNA): Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza visited the Noor Abu Dhabi plant for the production of solar energy, the largest independent solar power plant in the world, on the sidelines of his participation in the activities of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019. The 1177 MW-capacity plant is located in the Suwaihan district, about 120 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city. The minister was received by Chairman of the Board of Directors Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi and the executive management. He was given a detailed presentation about the plant and its long-term strategy, based on the diversification of energy sources and the strategy of green energy. Dr. Mirza spoke about Bahrain’s plans in the field of sustainable energy and its achievements. He praised the United Arab Emirates and its experience in solar energy and said the Bahrain government was keen to activate further cooperation in the field. This pilot project had won the award for the best financing energy project in the Middle East and North Africa in 2017, as part of the PFI Global Award of the United Kingdom. It is in line with Abu Dhabi's vision on the water, electricity and sanitation sectors and falls under one of the most important government programmes aimed at building an integrated system of water and electricity produced from renewable and traditional sources that rely on innovative and sustainable solutions. Dr. Mirza thanked the hosts for the welcome and the hospitality and underlined the close relations between the two brotherly countries. He spoke of mutual cooperation and solar energy projects. Mr. Al Rumaithi and other UAE officials thanked the minister for the visit and for taking a close look at Abu Dhabi’s experience in solar power plants. They spoke about their willingness to exchange ideas and experiences with Bahrain in the field and stressed their quest to further strengthen the close ties between the two countries.