LOC13:53
10:53 GMT
KUWAIT, Nov 10 (KUNA) - Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Adel Al-Zamel affirmed on Monday that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have made great strides in enhancing integration within the power sector, with the GCC electricity interconnection project standing as a model of successful joint Gulf action.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the conference patron, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Minister of Finance, and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, during the opening of the GCC Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition, Dr. Al-Zamel said the event is organized by the Regional Committee for Power Systems (GCC CIGRE).
Al-Zamel noted that the GCC power interconnection has strengthened energy security, enabled mutual support in emergency situations, and reduced operational costs. He pointed out that efforts are currently underway to expand this cooperation to include renewable energy, green hydrogen, smart grid technologies, and other advanced fields.
He added that hosting the conference in Kuwait comes at a pivotal stage as the energy sector undergoes fundamental transformations regionally and globally, driven by efforts to achieve energy security, diversify sources, and accelerate the transition toward clean and sustainable energy in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the GCC's sustainable development and carbon neutrality goals.
The undersecretary affirmed that the Ministry of Electricity and Water is implementing an ambitious plan aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy to 15 percent of total national power generation by 2030, through pioneering projects that also seek to reduce harmful environmental emissions.
He stated that the ministry aims to produce around 4,500 megawatts of renewable energy by 2030, focusing on reducing pollution levels and encouraging investments in the sustainable energy sector amid a noticeable decline in renewable energy costs.
Al-Zamel also highlighted the ministry's efforts to develop smart grids and adopt modern technological solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions, supporting Kuwait's sustainable development goals and future vision.
He underlined that the electricity and water sector in GCC countries faces significant challenges, starting with rapid population and economic growth, rising demand for power and water, and the need to balance sustainable development with environmental protection - in addition to the technical challenges associated with the shift toward clean energy and digitalization.
The undersecretary said the GCC Power Conference and Exhibition serves as a distinguished platform for sharing expertise, showcasing innovative solutions, and discussing best practices in the areas of power systems planning, operation, maintenance, grid interconnection, renewable energy integration, and artificial intelligence in network management, among other key topics that shape the future of the regional energy sector.
He stressed that Kuwait firmly believes that the future of energy in the Gulf relies on integration, cooperation, and continuous development, adding that the success of this conference represents a collective success for all GCC states.
"We look forward to seeing the conference sessions and scientific discussions generate constructive ideas and practical visions that will support the sustainable development journey in our countries and open new horizons for investment and innovation in the energy sector," Al-Zamel said.
For her part, Chairperson of GCC CIGRE and Conference President Engineer Athari Al-Mohammad said that the event, hosted by Kuwait, brings together an elite group of experts, researchers, and decision-makers from across the Gulf amid major developments in the energy sector.
Al-Mohammad added that the conference aims to foster constructive dialogue on the challenges facing Gulf power systems and to promote innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
She explained that GCC CIGRE is a regional branch of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE), which works to support scientific research, encourage technical knowledge exchange, and contribute to developing solutions that ensure energy sustainability across the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of CIGRE International Philippe Adam stated that the organization seeks to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise in the power systems sector among experts from around the world.
Adam noted that the conference provides a unique opportunity for technical professionals to share their experiences as operators, developers, innovators, or manufacturers of electrical grids and related equipment.
CIGRE's global support extends beyond organizing events, encompassing coordinated collective work aimed at consolidating and disseminating knowledge through technical publications accessible to all members, he added.
Adam concluded that these publications are the fruit of the ongoing voluntary work of more than 300 working groups, supervised by 16 study committees within the organization. (end)
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