GCC Secretariat General: Developing electricity and water systems and strengthening Gulf interconnection are strategic priorities

Manama, May 5 (KUNA) -- The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi stressed in Manama today, Monday, that the electricity and water sectors represent a strategic priority and a fundamental pillar in the trajectory of joint GCC cooperation, given their pivotal role in enhancing resource sustainability, securing the needs of GCC member states, and raising readiness to face changes and challenges.

This statement was made by Al-Budaiwi during the 31st meeting of the GCC Electricity and Water Cooperation Committee, held under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs Yasser Humaidan, and attended by members of the committee.

He noted that the outcomes of the 19th Consultative Meeting of the Supreme Council, held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, underscored the importance of enhancing the readiness and capacity of GCC member states to confront crises and challenges, including studying the feasibility of building water interconnection projects among GCC states and continuing to strengthen electricity interconnections. He emphasized the necessity of translating these directives into practical steps and initiatives that elevate joint GCC cooperation to broader horizons of integration and readiness.

Al-Budaiwi clarified that the current stage requires accelerating work on several priority tracks, foremost among them preparing for the growing demand for electricity and water. He noted that total electricity production in GCC states reached approximately 876,000 gigawatt-hours in 2025, an increase of 9.6 percent over the previous year, while desalinated water production amounted to about 8.5 billion cubic meters, representing a growth rate of 10.8 percent.

The Secretary-General also highlighted the importance of improving the efficiency of electricity and water systems through the development of production, transmission, and distribution facilities, as well as expanding the use of modern technologies and smart solutions. These measures contribute to reducing losses, improving operational efficiency, and maximizing the utilization of available resources and capabilities.

Regarding GCC electricity interconnection, Al-Budaiwi stressed the importance of accelerating related projects and maximizing their economic returns. He pointed out that financial savings achieved through electricity interconnection in 2025 exceeded 952 million US dollars, while cumulative savings since the project’s launch surpassed 5.2 billion US dollars. This reflects the strategic importance of the initiative in enhancing energy security, improving the efficiency of the electricity system, and expanding energy trade among GCC member states.

In the water sector, the Secretary-General affirmed that supply security and emergency readiness remain among the fundamental priorities for GCC states. He emphasized the importance of continuing to study the feasibility of building water interconnection projects among GCC states, alongside existing bilateral interconnection projects, to help build a more resilient GCC system capable of handling exceptional circumstances and achieving optimal use of available water resources.

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