Al-Makhzoum: GCC Integration in Electricity and Water is a Strategic Pillar

Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaima, affirmed on Monday that Gulf integration in the electricity and water sectors constitutes a strategic pillar for enhancing energy and water security and boosting the preparedness of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to keep pace with future changes and needs. This statement was made to KUNA on the sidelines of his chairing of Kuwait’s delegation at the 31st meeting of the Ministers’ Committee for Electricity and Water Cooperation among GCC member states, hosted by Bahrain.

Al-Mukhaima noted that the next 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, transforming 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 strategic investments in resource security and sustainability, serving as a cornerstone for a safer, more stable, and prosperous future for the GCC countries and their peoples.

Power Grid Interconnection

The meeting discussed several agenda items aimed at strengthening joint Gulf cooperation and integration in the electricity and water sectors, foremost among them being updates on the GCC power grid interconnection, ways to develop and enhance its utilization, and monitoring the work of the GCC Power Grid Interconnection Authority. These efforts support the reliability and stability of power systems and raise the level of coordination and integration among GCC member 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 followed up on joint programs, initiatives, and events, and promoted the exchange of expertise and experiences among member states in relevant fields.

Water Sector

In the water sector, the meeting discussed updates on water interconnection among GCC member states, including studies on the feasibility of establishing water interconnection projects between GCC countries and monitoring developments in bilateral water interconnection works. These efforts aim to enhance Gulf coordination and integration in the water sector and support joint endeavors to strengthen water security and raise preparedness to face future challenges.

Initiatives and Programs

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, and Gulf participation in relevant regional and international conferences and events. It also followed up on the implementation of several decisions by the Supreme Council aimed at strengthening cooperation among GCC member 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 countries in the electricity and water sectors, contributing to the development of joint systems and infrastructure and addressing future challenges efficiently and sustainably.

The Kuwaiti delegation, chaired by Minister Al-Mukhaima, included Dr. Adel Al-Zamil, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy; Eng. Maha Al-Hajiri, Director of the Water Facilities Administration; and other relevant officials from the ministry.