Manama, Bahrain – The convergence of energy infrastructure development and environmental sustainability took center stage as Bahrain opened the 20th GCC-CIGRE International Conference and Exhibition (GCC Power 2024) on November 11. The three-day event brings together environmental strategists, energy experts, and infrastructure specialists from across the Gulf region and beyond.
The conference, jointly organized by GCC CIGRE and Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), arrives at a crucial time when the region is navigating the complex interplay between rising energy demands and environmental preservation goals.
EWA President Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable development, particularly highlighting the nation’s ambitious environmental targets. These include a significant shift toward renewable energy sources, with plans to achieve 20% renewable energy integration by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2060 – crucial benchmarks for the region’s environmental roadmap.
Of particular interest to environmental specialists is Bahrain’s innovative “Kafaa” programme, which targets energy efficiency in both public and private infrastructure. The initiative is projected to yield substantial environmental benefits, including electricity savings of 975 GWh and a reduction in carbon emissions by 488,000 tonnes by 2040.
The technical sessions delve into critical areas where energy infrastructure intersects with environmental concerns, including:
- Advanced renewable energy integration strategies
- Smart grid technologies for environmental optimization
- Sustainable asset management practices
- High-efficiency transformer systems
- Environmental considerations in overhead line design
- Nuclear energy’s role in carbon reduction
During a specialized panel led by Dr. Lawrence Jones from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), discussions focused on the environmental challenges facing the Gulf region’s energy sector, particularly in the context of expanding energy-intensive industries. The dialogue emphasized the need for balanced approaches to meet growing energy demands while maintaining environmental integrity.
GCC CIGRE Board Chairman Ahmed Nasser Al Nasser highlighted the organization’s commitment to fostering expertise exchange among environmental and energy professionals, emphasizing solutions that prioritize both infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability.
The conference continues through November 13, providing a platform for environmental scientists, energy specialists, and infrastructure experts to explore collaborative approaches to the region’s evolving energy landscape. With the GCC’s unique environmental challenges and growing industrial base, the discussions are expected to yield valuable insights for both regional and global environmental strategies in energy infrastructure development.
This gathering represents a significant step in the Gulf region’s ongoing efforts to balance industrial growth with environmental stewardship, particularly in the critical area of energy infrastructure development and management.
