Latest news with #MinistryofElectricityandWaterAffairs
Biz Bahrain
27-01-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Electricity Ministry and Gulf Air Group sign renewable energy framework
Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, and Khalid Hussain Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group (GFG), signed a joint framework for renewable energy and energy efficiency. The minister emphasised that the framework reflects the ministry's commitment to implementing Bahrain's National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP). He commended GFG's efforts in adopting sustainable energy solutions and capacity-building initiatives, underscoring the importance of such collaboration in promoting energy sustainability as part of the government's environmental sustainability vision. Minister Humaidan highlighted the private sector's role in advancing renewable energy objectives and leveraging opportunities provided by the national renewable energy plan. He commended GFG for supporting national efforts to optimise energy use and adopting advanced technologies to achieve its aspirations in this field. Taqi underscored that the strategic partnership with the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs aligns with the group's ongoing efforts to support Bahrain's transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. He reiterated the group's commitment to national directives promoting renewable energy and supporting initiatives for sustainable development. The Chairman noted that this commitment aligns with Bahrain's goals to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the Kingdom. The framework aims to provide technical support and consultancy from the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs to GFG for integrating renewable energy solutions and enhancing energy efficiency across its buildings and facilities. BNA(R)
Gulf Insider
27-01-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain: MPs Set To Vote On Increasing Water Subsidy For Bahraini Families With Six Or More Members
Parliament will vote next Tuesday on a proposal to increase water subsidies for Bahraini families with six or more members. The revised plan aims to raise the subsidised water quota to 100 cubic metres at a reduced rate of 25 fils per cubic metre. Under the new proposal, an 80 fils tariff would apply to water usage between 101 and 150 cubic metres, while anything above that would be charged at 200 fils per cubic metre. The plan, aimed at easing financial pressures on larger households, builds on an earlier version submitted in December 2023, which was amended to focus on single-family households with six or more members, making the plan more targeted and workable. Financial Pressures MP Mohammed Yousif A1 Marifi, who originally proposed the change, described it as anecessary step to ease financial pressures on citizens. 'This measure aims to lighten the loadon families by increasing the support available for domestic water use,' A1 Marifi said. However, some MPs have raised concerns, warning of potential financial and environmental risks- They pointed out that water subsidies continue to rise while consumer tariffs remain unchanged. The Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs had previously warned that the consumption of water continues to increase, which strains resources further. Concerns The Ministry also flagged the potential for overuse, cautioning that increasing the subsidised quota could encourage wasteful consumption. This could further deplete resources like natural gas and put pressure on the environment Initially, the proposal sought to increase the subsidised water quota for all households, but it was amended to target larger households specifically, making it a more focused and effective measure. The revised proposal aims to balance the need for relief for larger families while addressing concerns about waste and resource depletion. Relief Measures In response to claims of insufficient support for larger households, the Ministry pointed to existing relief measures. Families classified as low-income by the Ministry of Social Development already receive financial assistance for electricity and water bills, ranging from BDIO to BD20. Last year, electricity and water subsidies amounted to BD243 million, with BD85 millionallocated to water subsidies alone. Next Steps The proposal is now set to be discussed in Parliament next week, where MPs will decide whether to press ahead with the changes- The Public Utilities and Environment Committee hasurged MPs to back the revised proposal, arguing that it addresses public concerns and provides essential support for larger Bahraini families grappling with mounting costs. Source The daily Tribune News Of Bahrain
