About
The Sustainable Energy Authority
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.
The Team
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 22nd 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. Alexander Al Samahiji
Acting Executive Director
Mr. Rami Osman
Energy Efficiency Specialist
Mr. Paranthaman Munusamy
Solar Energy Engineer
Mr. Nar Khatiwora
Renewable Energy Specialist
Ms. Shereen Hussain
Renewable Energy Researcher
Mrs. Latifa Khalifa
Project Coordinator
Mr. Yazan Samara
Energy Finance Expert
Ms. Dalal Al Baharna
Project Assistant
Dr. Hanan Al Buflasah
Renewable Energy Expert
Partners
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.
Governance structure
History
Timeline
Launch of the second training course for Solar PV installers in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Launch of the first workshop on financing solar PV plants for the banking sector
Third meeting of the National Implementation Follow Up Committee
Launch of the first Wind Atlas for the Kingdom of Bahrain
Cabinet resolution on the endorsement of the inclusion of the Sustainable Energy Unit in the national priority framework
Launch of the first training course for Solar PV installers in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Fifth meeting of the National Implementation Follow Up Committee
Cabinet resolution on the endorsement of the Net Metering Resolution
Forth meeting of the National Implementation Follow Up Committee
Land allocation for Bahrain’s first utility-scale Solar Farm (100 MW)
Second meeting of the National Implementation Follow Up Committee
First meeting of the National Implementation Follow Up Committee
Participation in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Cabinet resolution on the endorsement of the Initiation of “Net-Metering” policy
Cabinet resolution on the endorsement of the formation of the National Implementation Follow Up Committee for the National Action Plans on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, chaired by H.E. Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs
Cabinet resolution on the endorsement of the National Renewable Energy Target: 5% by 2025 and 10% by 2035
Cabinet resolution on the endorsement of the National Energy Efficiency Target: 6% by 2025
Cabinet resolution on the endorsement of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP)
The establishment of the Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU)
Legend
