Al-Makhzoum: Gulf Integration in Electricity and Water Enhances Resource Security and Future Preparedness - Sarmad

(KUNA) – Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Sabah 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 boosting the preparedness of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to keep pace with future changes and needs.

This statement came in an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) by Minister Al-Makhzoum 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 countries, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Minister Al-Makhzoum noted that the upcoming phase requires building on achieved cooperation and advancing toward more integrated and sustainable joint projects and initiatives. He stated, “What unites GCC countries—shared destiny and integrated interests—provides us with a solid foundation to expand electricity and water sector cooperation to broader horizons, transforming common challenges into opportunities for development and enhancing preparedness.”

He expressed his conviction that developing the power grid interconnection system and proceeding with studies on water interconnection projects represent a strategic investment in the security and sustainability of resources, serving as a cornerstone for a safer, more stable, and prosperous future for the GCC countries and their peoples.

The meeting discussed several agenda items aimed at strengthening joint Gulf cooperation and integration pathways 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 countries.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of several joint Gulf committees concerned with water resources, electricity and water conservation, consumer services, and new and renewable energy. Additionally, it addressed the follow-up on joint programs, initiatives, and events, as well as 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 countries, including studies on the feasibility of establishing water interconnection projects between GCC states and follow-up on bilateral water interconnection activities. These efforts aim to strengthen Gulf coordination and integration in the water sector and support joint endeavors 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 Supreme Council decisions aimed at enhancing cooperation among GCC countries.

Kuwait’s participation in the meeting underscores its commitment to supporting the trajectory of joint Gulf work and strengthening coordination and integration with GCC countries in the electricity and water sectors. This contributes to the development of shared systems and infrastructure and enables efficient and sustainable responses to future challenges.

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