The concept of energy efficiency is gaining importance across the world as every nation is looking for alternative and cheaper sources of energy to meet their requirements, according to Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) president Issa bin Hilal al-Kuwari.
He was opening the 12th Cigre-GCC Power Conference and 21st Exhibition of Electrical Equipment yesterday. The theme of the conference is “Towards
Energy Efficiency”.
“The State of Qatar stresses its commitment to energy efficiency as envisaged in the Qatar National Vision 2030. The country is committed to use state-of-the-art technologies while adhering to energy conservation, executing smart grids and increasing the operational capacities of generation plants. All this is being done to target reduction in carbon emissions to protect the environment as a strategic option for our generations to come,” he said.
Al-Kuwari said the average consumption of power across the GCC is much more than the world average and hence there is a greater necessity of generating alternative and cheaper energy sources for ensuring sustainable development.
While highlighting the use of advanced technologies and applications for generating cheaper sources of energy, Kahramaa president said Qatar is not only committed to tapping alternative and economically feasible energy options but the country is also working to ensure quality life to its residents.
Qatar, he said, is also determined to reduce carbon emissions significantly.
The ongoing efforts to generate 250kw of solar energy by 2020, using the latest technologies is one of the major initiatives to tap alternative sources of energy, Kahramaa president said, adding that good results have been achieved through Kahramaa’s conservation campaign Tarsheed started in 2012.
He also felt there are abundant opportunities for investment in the region’s power sector and international financing for major projects are happening in the Gulf states in a big way.
The conference is being attended by senior officials working in the electricity sector across the Gulf region, Cigre’s secretary-general Philip Adams, a large number of exhibitors, and other delegates.
GCC-Cigre was established under the umbrella of the Gulf Co-operation Council in accordance with recommendations by ministers of electricity and water during a meeting held in Kuwait on April 22, 1985.
The GCC’s General Secretariat, together with the Secretary General of the International Council for large Electric Systems (Cigre), drafted the committee’s basic law. The committee, a non-profit institution, is an affiliate of the International Council and is mainly devoted to encourage and develop scientific researches and studies in the field of electricity systems.