The Kingdom of Bahrain’s Energy Efficiency Programme (KEEP), which was launched through an Advisory Assignment signed between the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the World Bank on 23 September 2013, got a shot in the arm on Sunday with the discussion of the national strategy to be adopted in this respect.
A draft of the "National Energy Efficiency Strategy for the Kingdom of Bahrain" was discussed by MOF Undersecretary, Aref S. Khamis, and a World Bank delegation.
The Undersecretary noted that the strategy defines a national target of 20% reduction in electricity consumption by 2030. A set of measures relating to regulatory environment and market mechanisms aim to foster private sector investments in energy efficiency initiatives. They target electricity consumption in building and industrial sectors.
He stressed that the new strategy will enable the addressing of the challenge posed by the fact that per capita energy consumption in Bahrain is amongst the highest in the world.
He also highlighted its positive impact with regard to securing necessary energy requirements for the development process, demonstrating adherence to standards of environmental safety through the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions, preserving depletable energy resources and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy.