Manama : The 20th GCC – CIGRE International Conference and 30th Exhibition for Electrical Equipment “GCC Power 2024”, commenced today in Bahrain.
The event was organised by GCC CIGRE in collaboration with Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), the event runs from November 11-13.
Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, President of EWA, along with GCC ministers and representatives from leading global energy companies, were present.
EWA President highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable development and energy sector advancement, with the conference providing a forum for global experts and decision-makers to discuss and exchange expertise on enhancing energy sectors regionally and globally.
He underscored Bahrain’s commitment to regional and international collaboration, with the event focusing on innovations in renewable energy and strategies to achieve environmental and economic goals.
Key conference topics include global best practices, modern innovations to boost energy efficiency and sustainability, system operations and controls, market regulation, and advanced energy infrastructure. Sessions cover specialised subjects such as transformer performance, overhead lines, renewable and nuclear energy, smart grids, and asset management.
In a panel led by Dr. Lawrence Jones, Senior VP of International Programmes at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the EWA President noted Bahrain’s plans to diversify energy sources, aiming for 20% renewable energy by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
The EWA President highlighted the “Kafaa” programme, launched to improve energy efficiency in public and private buildings, expected to save 975 GWh of electricity and reduce carbon emissions by 488,000 tonnes by 2040.
Ahmed Nasser Al Nasser, GCC CIGRE Board Chairman, emphasised CIGRE Gulf’s role in fostering expertise exchange among energy professionals to advance energy systems and deliver innovative solutions.
He underscored the conference’s importance for sharing insights to achieve top efficiency standards and drive sustainable development in the energy sector.
Ahmed Ali Al Ebrahim, Chairman of the Technical Committee at CIGRE Gulf, described the event as a prime platform for energy experts, allowing companies to connect with audiences and showcase business opportunities while providing attendees with knowledge through specialised lectures.
He underscored the GCC’s high energy demand, partly driven by expanding energy-intensive industries, and emphasised CIGRE Gulf’s commitment to sectoral progress through active research and development.
