GCC Secretary General: Developing electricity and water systems and enhancing Gulf interconnection a strategic priority
Jassim Al-Bedaiwi affirmed that the electricity and water sectors are a strategic priority, praising the interconnection volume which has exceeded $5.2 billion.
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
- The power interconnection achieved savings exceeding $952 million last year and $5.2 billion since its launch
Bahrain, Manama – On Monday, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi affirmed that the electricity and water sectors represent a strategic priority and a fundamental pillar in the journey of joint GCC cooperation, given their pivotal role in enhancing resource sustainability, securing the needs of member states, and raising readiness levels to face changes and challenges.
This statement came during Al-Budaiwi’s address at 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.
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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 member states and continuing to strengthen power 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.
He 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 pointed out that total electricity production in GCC countries reached approximately 876,000 gigawatt-hours in 2025, an increase of 9.6 percent over the previous year, while desalinated water production reached 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. This contributes to reducing losses, enhancing operational efficiency, and maximizing the utilization of available resources and capabilities.
Regarding the GCC power interconnection, he stressed the importance of accelerating its projects and maximizing their economic returns. He noted that financial savings achieved from power interconnection in 2025 exceeded $952 million, while total savings since the project’s launch surpassed $5.2 billion. This reflects the strategic importance of power interconnection 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 core priorities for GCC member states. He emphasized the importance of continuing to study the feasibility of building water interconnection projects among member states, alongside existing bilateral interconnection projects. This aims to build a more resilient GCC system capable of handling exceptional circumstances and achieving optimal use of available water resources.
