Bahrain's Electricity Minister presents certificates

Manama, Nov.29 (BNA): Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza presented certificates of qualification to a batch of solar system suppliers of contractors and consultants. The ceremony was held at the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) Training Centre in Sitra. The event was attended by UNDP Resident Representative Amin Al Sharkawi, officials from the Electricity and Water Authority and the Sustainable Energy Unit. The minister said the success of successive training programmes is an important step in enriching and empowering the local market to meet the growing demand for renewable energy projects from both the public and private sectors and the commitment of the Sustainable Energy Unit to build capacity and fill gaps in the renewable energy sector in accordance with the vision and guidance of the leadership. The minister commended contractors and consultants for their keenness to promote clean energy. He praised the success rate of 78 per cent and the positive indicator of renewable energy sector as well as the interest of the Bahraini public in general. He also applauded the domestic and foreign investments in the field of renewable energy and solar energy projects in particular, which comes as part of the steps Bahrain has taken to promote the national renewable energy and energy efficiency plans and the achievement of international commitments related to the objectives of sustainable development. Dr. Mirza thanked the providers of the training programme - J Lanka and CESI, two global renewable energy companies, and praised their keenness to improve the delivery of the programme in order to provide the highest level of training and diversify experiences and lessons learned. The minister thanked the Sustainable Energy Unit and the officials of the Electricity and Water Authority as well as the two specialized companies for their cooperation and efforts which culminated in the establishment of this course and wished the participants success in the training programme and in their future endeavors. Sharkawi also expressed congratulated the minister on the high degree of success and unprecedented demand in these courses. He stressed the commitment of UNDP to support the Sustainable Energy Unit to achieve its objectives.