Minister of Electricity and Water: Gulf Integration in Power and Water Enhances Resource Security and Future Preparedness
From Khaloud Al-Ansari, Manama – 5 Oct (KUNA) – Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Dr. Sabih Al-Makhzoum, affirmed on Monday that Gulf integration in the electricity and water sectors constitutes a strategic pillar for enhancing energy and water security and raising the preparedness of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to keep pace with future changes and needs.
This statement came in an interview with the Minister for the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of his chairing of the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the 31st meeting of the Ministers’ Committee for Electricity and Water Cooperation among GCC states, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Minister Al-Makhzoum noted that the coming phase requires building on achieved cooperation and advancing toward more integrated and sustainable joint projects and initiatives. He said, “The shared destiny and integrated interests that unite GCC member states provide us with a solid foundation to expand electricity and water sector cooperation to broader horizons and to transform common challenges into opportunities for development and enhanced preparedness.”
He expressed his conviction that developing the power grid interconnection system and proceeding with studies for water interconnection projects represent a strategic investment in the security and sustainability of resources, serving as a cornerstone for a more secure, stable, and prosperous future for the GCC states and their peoples.
The meeting discussed several agenda items aimed at strengthening joint Gulf cooperation and integration in the electricity and water sectors. These included updates on the GCC power grid interconnection, ways to develop and enhance its utilization, and follow-up on the work of the GCC Power Grid Interconnection Authority, all of which support the reliability and stability of electrical systems and raise the level of coordination and integration among GCC states.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of several joint GCC committees concerned with water resources, conservation of electricity and water consumption, consumer services, and new and renewable energy. Additionally, it addressed the follow-up on joint programs, initiatives, and events, and the enhancement of knowledge and experience exchange among member states in relevant fields.
In the water sector, the meeting discussed updates on water interconnection among GCC states, including studies on the feasibility of creating water interconnection projects between GCC countries, and followed up on developments in bilateral water interconnection efforts. These initiatives aim to strengthen Gulf coordination and integration in the water sector and support joint efforts to enhance water security and raise preparedness to face future challenges.
The meeting also reviewed several upcoming Gulf initiatives and programs in the electricity and water sectors, including the Unified Gulf Forum for Electricity and Water Regulators for 2027, the Gulf participation in relevant regional and international conferences and events, and the follow-up on the implementation of several decisions of the Supreme Council aimed at strengthening cooperation among GCC states.
Kuwait’s participation in the meeting underscores its commitment to supporting the trajectory of joint Gulf work and enhancing coordination and integration with GCC states in the electricity and water sectors, thereby contributing to the development of shared systems and infrastructure and addressing future challenges efficiently and sustainably.
The Kuwaiti delegation, chaired by Minister Dr. Sabih Al-Makhzoum, included the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Dr. Adel Al-Zamil; the Director of the Water Facilities Department, Engineer Maha Al-Hajri; and other relevant officials from the ministry. (End) K.N.A. / N.S.A.
