Bahrain’s green initiatives such as introducing renewable energy and its climate resilient planning have been praised by a top UK official.
Janet Rogan, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) regional ambassador for the Middle East and Africa, touched down in the kingdom earlier this week to meet experts as part of plans to prepare countries participating in the conference to be hosted by the UK in Glasgow from November 1-12.
During an exclusive interview with the GDN, Ms Rogan believes UK and Bahrain’s ties are very strong and deep and that she hopes working together will further intensify after COP26.
“There is a great energy here of change,” said Ms Rogan who met Sustainable Energy Authority president Dr Abdulhussain Mirza and special envoy for climate affairs and chief executive of the Supreme Council for Environment Dr Mohammed bin Daina, alongside UK Ambassador Roddy Drummond.
“I’ve heard some really interesting and encouraging things in my visits to Bahrain about progress that is being made in terms of renewable energy.
“I’ve also been really encouraged to hear about the energy efficiency measures already being undertaken across the island nation, such as a district cooling project, known for being more efficient to use and cheaper than other methods.”
Ms Rogan
Ms Rogan finds that Bahrain has the perfect opportunity to introduce climate resilient planning and building, as well as more climate efficient systems.
Bahrain has made impressive strides in the field from including energy efficiency ratings for commercial and residential buildings, the replacement of 70,000 street lights and 400,000 bulbs with LED bulb systems, the implementation of two solar panel factories and solar panels being installed at a number of sites, including schools, homes and Bahrain International Circuit.
“If you are building a new house or renting an apartment, you’ll want to think about the energy profile of the place,” she said. “And, now the government is getting into the position where if you want to buy an appliance, it’s going to have a rating. Even the building will have a rating and that way you’ll have a cost-saving choice.”
Ms Rogan also believes that Bahrain could be an ideal location for the electric vehicle revolution.
The first charging station for electric cars was opened in April at the Atrium Mall in Saar and there are plans to roll out similar stations across the country.
“Some of the challenges people face when it comes to their electric vehicles is cold weather,” she explained. “It affects the batteries. Even going up and down hills can reduce the efficiencies of batteries. Bahrain is largely flat and it’s hot so you have the perfect possibilities for introducing electric vehicle technology.”
EV batteries have to work harder in the cold, experts agree, which is why they drain quickly. Even when you turn your car on after a long, frigid night, the battery will use more power than usual to warm itself up, meaning less energy gets put towards driving.
Meanwhile, Ms Rogan has been encouraging Bahrain and other countries to focus on sharing their experiences and bringing home what they learn from the coming conference.
“What does this mean for the people of Bahrain, for the future, and, more importantly, what action are we going to take?” she said.
This conference, a first of its kind since the outbreak of Covid-19, will welcome more than 100 heads of states and governments who have confirmed attendance.
“Her Majesty the Queen is going to be there along with His Holiness the Pope and the UN Secretary General,” she added. “We are estimating an attendance of up to 130 world leaders, which is pretty amazing and I hope there will be participation by Bahrain at the very highest level.”
Meanwhile, Dr Mirza discussed with Ms Rogan the kingdom’s preparations to participate in COP26 which will play an effective role in unifying international visions on ways to face the environmental challenges of climate change.
mai.alkhatib@gulfweekly.com
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