The Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) was established in November 2014 as a joint initiative between the Office of the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The key objectives of the Unit are to develop a cohesive and sustainable energy policy and to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Unit also works towards bridging the legal, institutional, and capacity gaps to ensure the Bahrain energy sector is capable to meet the future challenges.

SEU is the entity mandated to lead and promote energy efficiency practices, transfer and diffuse renewable energy technologies, and draft related policies and regulatory frameworks in close coordination with stakeholders and partners in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Since its establishment SEU developed two key policy documents for Bahrain: the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP). These plans were endorsed by the Cabinet and are currently in the implementation phase.

His Excellency Dr. Abdul Hussain Bin Ali Mirza

President, Sustainable Energy Authority– Kingdom of Bahrain

Energy touches almost every aspect of our modern lives. Ensuring the beloved citizens of our nation are able to call upon that energy at the push of a button is now considered a necessity, meaning that the sustainability of our energy is also of the utmost importance. In accordance with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Royal Decree No. 87 of 2019 the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the 22^nd of October 2019 formed a Sustainable Energy Authority. This is a clear indication of the commitment towards a more sustainable future, demonstrated at the very highest level of leadership. The Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), which I am honored to have been appointed president of, will ensure rapid progress towards the kingdom’s National Renewable Energy Targets and National Energy Efficiency targets by highlighting barriers to their achievement and taking clear and decisive action to ensure the barriers are overcome.

The wise leadership of the kingdom of Bahrain has entrusted the Sustainable Energy Authority with the stewardship of our kingdom’s sustainable energy future. To this end a team of dedicated experts will work with public and private sector energy stakeholders as well as the private commercial, industrial and residential end users of energy to promote and recommend legislation where needed to ensure uptake of sustainable energy best practices. The intention is to ensure that The Kingdom Of Bahrain’s rich history of social and technological breakthroughs is sustained long into the future, by protecting our natural resources and fully taking advantage of modern energy technologies to sustain and improve the high standard of living our beloved citizens are accustomed to.

Mr. Stefano Pettinato

Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme

Promoting energy efficiency, diversifying energy sources, and establishing a supportive regulatory framework for the transition towards renewable energy. These and more developments are allowing the Kingdom of Bahrain to make steadfast progress towards ensuring energy security and sustainability.
Such efforts are aligned with Bahrain’s commitment to the tenets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 7, “Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.”

The United Nations Development Programme in Bahrain has had the privilege to support the Minister of Electricity and Water in establishing the Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU). The Unit has contributed to the advancement of energy efficiency and renewable energy in Bahrain by supporting the design and launch of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP). Since the adoption of these plans by the Cabinet, we are committed to continue supporting the SEU to promote their implementation.