KUWAIT: Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Acting Minister of Finance, and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, emphasized on Wednesday that Kuwait has made significant progress in energy conservation and demand management through national awareness initiatives targeting the community.
Speaking at the Gulf Energy Conservation Forum, held under his patronage, Minister Al-Mukhaizeem noted that the ministry has collaborated with various state sectors to integrate energy efficiency across all stages of planning and operation, while increasing reliance on renewable energy in future projects. These measures align with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the broader Gulf trend toward a green economy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. He highlighted that the Gulf region has developed a comprehensive framework of expertise in conservation and efficiency, covering smart meter programs, advanced monitoring systems, green building standards, energy-efficient appliances, and public awareness campaigns promoting responsible consumption.
“The Gulf Forum for Rationalization sends a collective message to the world, demonstrating that Gulf citizens are active partners in development and custodians of sustainability. Environmental and behavioral awareness is an integral part of Gulf culture and identity,” Minister Al-Mukhaizeem said. He praised the Gulf Committee for Electricity and Water Rationalization and Customer Services for its initiatives, awards, and efforts to encourage positive competition across countries, institutions, and individuals in energy and water efficiency.
KUWAIT: Officials and participants attend the Gulf Forum for Electricity and Water Conservation. – KUNA photos
Winners of the Gulf Excellence Award in Energy and Water Efficiency are honored.
The minister underscored that sustainable management of electricity and water resources is critical for future generations, noting that increasing demand driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion necessitates changing consumption patterns, promoting a culture of conservation and adopting modern efficiency-enhancing technologies. He stressed that conservation is not merely a technical or temporary measure, but a societal culture reflecting national responsibility.
Fatouh Al-Raqam, Head of the Judging Committee for the Gulf Excellence in Energy and Water Efficiency Award, noted that the award, which received 24 entries and recognized seven winners, is one of the GCC’s leading initiatives to encourage best practices in energy and water efficiency. Al-Raqam, also Acting Director of the Science and Technology Department at the Energy and Building Research Center of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, explained that the award is part of efforts by the Electricity and Water Conservation and Customer Services Committee under the Gulf Ministerial Committee for Cooperation in Electricity and Water Sectors.
Eight GCC members participated in the judging process. She highlighted that the award fosters positive competition and motivates institutions and individuals to adopt innovative solutions while raising public awareness about conservation. Winners included the Etihad Electricity and Water Company building (UAE) and Saudi Electricity and Water Company building for best commercial building, Kahramaa Park (Qatar) and Al-Othman Mosque (Kuwait) for best educational building, and activist-engineer Abdulaziz Al-Abdulilah (Kuwait) as Best Gulf Influencer for Electricity and Water Conservation.
In the Best Electronic Application category, the UAE’s Energy X app won, while the National Bank of Kuwait headquarters secured the Best Financial Building award. The forum also featured dialogue sessions with representatives from electricity and water sectors across the GCC, sharing practical expertise and experiences to promote sustainability and innovation in the region. — KUNA
