Bahrain's EWA Minister receives UNDP official

Manama, Oct. 7 (BNA): Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza received United Nations Resident Coordinator/Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme Amin Al Sharqawi, The minister reviewed the results achieved in the implementation of the National Renewable Energy Plan and the National Energy Efficiency Plan. There are many indicators that have begun to bear fruit by attracting ideas and proposals for new projects in renewable energy, he said. The minister said this indicates that Bahrain is on track to achieve national goals and rates approved by the Council of Ministers to reach 5 per cent of energy use as renewable by 2025. He said these ideas, proposals and projects give a strong boost to the economy of Bahrain towards further development and prosperity. Dr. Mirza commended the continuous support and follow-up by UNDP for all steps it has taken. He said the programme plays an important role through its membership in the National Committee to follow up the implementation of the two plans, which is chaired by the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs. The programme also employs specialized expertise in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy to achieve desired goals. Al-Sharqawi said that the goals of sustainable development are equally important for both developed and developing countries until 2030. These objectives provide an opportunity to respond to the aspirations of all peoples of the world for a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future. The two national plans are one of the most important supporting steps that will strengthen Bahrain’s steps toward achieving national rates of renewable energy and achieving international commitments, including the goals of sustainable development, especially the seventh objective on energy efficiency and renewable energy.