Manama:Ali Al Nemah, Vice President for Electricity Affairs at the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), chaired the 32nd preparatory meeting of the GCC electricity and water ministry undersecretaries committee via video conference. Representatives from member states and the GCC General Secretariat participated in the meeting.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was organized in preparation for the 31st meeting of GCC electricity and water ministers, which is set to take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain in October. Al Nemah highlighted the significance of strengthening GCC cooperation and coordination in the electricity and water sectors. He stressed the need for joint initiatives and projects to bolster energy and water security and sustainability, as well as to improve the efficiency and readiness of these vital sectors across GCC states.
Topics on the agenda showcased the shared commitment to keeping pace with rapid developments in the electricity and water sectors. Al Nemah underscored the importance of expanding the exchange of expertise among member states and developing practical recommendations that promote GCC integration in these areas.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of GCC Supreme Council decisions concerning a study on potential water interconnection projects among GCC states and enhancing the GCC electricity interconnection. Additionally, economic and financial models related to these projects were discussed, along with issues concerning the regulation of the GCC electricity interconnection and the installed capacity of member states.
Participants deliberated on a memorandum from the Kingdom of Bahrain regarding a joint agreement to set electricity trading prices among GCC states during extreme emergencies. This initiative aims to enhance the preparedness of the GCC electricity system and support member states' capabilities to handle exceptional circumstances.
The meeting concluded with a review of proposed recommendations on agenda items, which will be submitted to the 31st meeting of GCC electricity and water ministers for consideration and appropriate decisions.