Experts discuss energy efficiency

QNA/DohaPolicy experts and sustainability practitioners discussed trends and challenges in local energy consumption and suggested ways to enhance energy efficiency in Qatar at a forum held in Doha. The Energy Efficiency Forum brought together senior policy and energy experts, and sustainability practitioners to review Qatar’s existing frameworks, Qatar Foundation (QF) said yesterday. Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) jointly hosted the forum. Forum participants will analyse the outcome and use its conclusions to draft an integrated roadmap for energy efficiency in Qatar. This will support the country’s efforts to promote responsible energy consumption. The comprehensive report prepared by the three partners will be shared with decision-makers in the government, and be used more to promote wider discussion and consideration of energy efficiency in Qatar, QF said. As members of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), both QGBC and QEERI’s participation in the Forum supports QF’s mission to support the diversification of Qatar from a carbon to a knowledge-based economy matching Qatar National Vision 2030. Discussing the suggestions made by the expert gathering, Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani said: “ICC Qatar is working very close to our key stakeholders to implement initiatives of public benefit. Energy efficiency is a critical component of any comprehensive sustainable energy strategy and it is not only an environmental imperative, but also an economic opportunity.” QGBC director Meshal al-Shamari said: “The Forum demonstrated exceptional collective focus by stakeholders to suggest how we can improve energy efficiency in Qatar. Building industry awareness and understanding, and adoption of a responsible energy consumption model in Qatar will form a significant part of the strategy. “QGBC and its members are committed to sharing knowledge, experience and sustainability best practice. I am confident that the Energy Efficiency Forum will help the nation meet the challenges set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030, and deliver a better environment here.” QEERI executive director Dr Mohamed Khaleel said: “QEERI is addressing two major grand challenges in energy and water. The institute is to assist and expedite the introduction of off-grid and grid integrated photovoltaics and energy storage technologies by providing engineering, technical and scientific solutions. “Energy efficiency and renewable energies are both needed to promote cost-effective energy-saving solutions to give the country an economical advantage and to make our climate better.”