Electricity Minister attends Belt and Road energy conference

Qingdao, Oct. 24 (BNA): Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, participated in the third ministerial conference for energy ministers under the Belt and Road Initiative, held in Qingdao, China, from October 23-24, supported by China's National Energy Administration (NEA). The event brought together over 600 participants, including energy ministers, ambassadors from 80 countries, and leaders of 17 international organisations.

The Minister highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to expanding renewable energy, in line with royal directives and the government’s efforts led by His Royal Higness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Humaidan outlined Bahrain’s infrastructure developments for renewable energy, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. He referred to the National Renewable Energy Plan, targeting 5% by 2025 and 20% by 2035. He also discussed Bahrain’s 2017 solar net metering system and the new control centre for managing electricity and water networks to ensure reliable supply.

The conference addressed innovation in energy supply chains, renewable energy integration, and technology investment. Topics included energy storage, hydrogen, nuclear technology, carbon capture, and digital transformation.

Humaidan commended global efforts to advance energy markets and underscored Bahrain’s focus on green financing, renewable energy partnerships, and using AI to improve energy efficiency.