Bahrain urged to reinvent power strategy

BAHRAIN must reinvent its national energy strategy, according to a top government official.

That includes taking advantage of clean and affordable technologies, said Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) chief executive Dr Mohammed Bin Daina.

He was speaking at the Solar Technology Energy and Environment in Bahrain (STEEB) 2017 Conference yesterday.

“It is clear we must reinvent Bahrain’s energy matrix and take advantage of the new market of clean and affordable technologies,” said Dr Bin Daina.

“Looking more closely into the details of the Paris Agreement, the central aim is to keep global temperature rise well below 2C.

“If we do not do that, there are scientific models showing the many environmental impacts expected including rising temperatures, rising sea levels, droughts and hurricanes.”

He outlined various factors involved in “re-thinking” Bahrain’s energy strategy.

“The new energy frontier is upon us. It is time to meet the global energy challenge, where more energy will be needed but with less emissions,” he said.

“There are many tools and drivers in re-thinking Bahrain’s energy.

“We have first our international obligations to manage Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions as part of the COP21 Paris Agreement.

“Second, Bahrain is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), making us vulnerable to climate change impacts in the future. Higher emissions means higher sea levels.

“Third, the domestic energy efficiency and renewable energy targets have been announced here and in the region.

“Also, there are air quality concerns which can impact public health and living standards.”

Dr Bin Daina emphasised the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), which promotes the accelerated transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low carbon and climate-resilient development at the request of developing countries.

“As Bahrain is a SIDS, we have priority access to both technology and finance under the Paris Agreement,” he explained.

“We also have the Green Climate Fund (GCF), for which the SCE serves as the National Designated Authority.

“The GCF is a multi-billion dollar fund aimed at funding climate-change projects in developing countries.”

He also touched upon energy innovation, underlining the Crown Prince’s thoughts on solar desalination.

“Innovative ideas in energy that also solve a regional problem are probably the most sustainable way to move forward,” he added.

“In this respect, I would like to bring up our Crown Prince’s idea of solar desalination. We have sunlight in abundance, but we have barely any natural drinking water.

“Therefore, at such an early stage of our solar energy journey, focusing on such projects could have major and long-lasting impacts for our society.

“This brings us closer to true sustainable development, where we pass on our Bahrain with pride to our children and grandchildren.”

Researchers, scientists and experts from universities, private firms and institutions around the world are attending the summit, which will address ways and means of reducing energy consumption.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/254726/Bahrain-urged-to-reinvent-power-strategy