Goal 7
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy in Bahrain and Government Initiatives
Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Bahrain’s government recognizes the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources and improving energy efficiency, as the nation is largely dependent on fossil fuels. With the support of the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs and the National Oil and Gas Authority, Bahrain is implementing various initiatives to diversify its energy mix, enhance efficiency, and encourage renewable energy adoption.
Key government initiatives for achieving SDG 7 include:
National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP): Bahrain's National Renewable Energy Action Plan aims to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix. The government has set ambitious targets, such as achieving 5% renewable energy by 2025 and 10% by 2035. This plan includes investments in solar, wind, and other renewable projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase energy sustainability.
Solar Energy Projects: The Bahraini government is promoting solar energy on a large scale. Initiatives include solar panel installations on government buildings, the development of solar farms, and partnerships with private companies to integrate solar energy in various sectors. Solar power is seen as a viable solution for Bahrain, given its high levels of sunshine throughout the year.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Initiatives: The government is implementing programs to enhance energy efficiency in buildings, industries, and public services. This includes the use of energy-efficient lighting, smart meters, and stricter regulations for energy use in construction. The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) conducts public awareness campaigns to encourage energy-saving practices among households and businesses.
Incentives for Renewable Energy Adoption: Bahrain has introduced incentives to encourage private investments in renewable energy. These include tax breaks, subsidies, and regulatory support for companies and individuals who adopt solar or other clean energy solutions. By making renewable energy financially accessible, the government aims to increase its use across the country.
Collaboration and Research in Clean Energy: Bahrain is collaborating with international organizations and research institutions to explore innovative solutions for clean energy. This includes partnerships to develop green hydrogen, carbon capture technologies, and energy storage solutions, all of which contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
These efforts demonstrate Bahrain’s commitment to achieving SDG 7 by fostering a clean, efficient, and diversified energy landscape, promoting sustainable energy practices, and ensuring affordability and accessibility.
SDG 7 at Ahlia University: Promoting Energy Efficiency and Sustainability on Campus
Ahlia University actively supports SDG 7 by promoting energy efficiency and sustainability within its campus operations, raising awareness about sustainable energy practices, and integrating energy-related topics into its academic programs. Through these initiatives, the university contributes to Bahrain’s goals for affordable and clean energy while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among students and staff.
Energy-Efficient Campus Facilities: Ahlia University prioritizes energy efficiency within its campus facilities. The university has implemented energy-saving measures, such as energy-efficient lighting, optimized air conditioning systems, and automatic lighting controls in classrooms and common areas. These upgrades reduce the campus’s energy consumption, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
Renewable Energy Awareness and Education: Through courses and programs related to environmental studies, engineering, and business, Ahlia University educates students on renewable energy technologies, sustainable practices, and the importance of energy efficiency. By raising awareness about clean energy solutions, the university equips students with the knowledge to contribute to sustainable energy practices in their future careers.
Research in Clean Energy and Sustainability: Ahlia University supports research in clean energy, sustainability, and efficient energy use. Faculty and students engage in projects that explore renewable energy, energy management, and innovative technology to address energy challenges. This research aligns with Bahrain’s national energy goals, contributing academic insight and practical solutions to local energy challenges.
Sustainability Clubs and Events: The university’s student clubs often organize events, workshops, and seminars focused on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. These activities encourage students to adopt energy-saving practices and promote sustainable living. Guest lectures by experts in renewable energy provide insights into Bahrain’s energy policies and advancements, inspiring students to take an active interest in sustainable energy.
Encouraging a Sustainable Campus Culture: Ahlia University promotes a culture of sustainability by encouraging practices such as turning off lights when not in use, minimizing energy waste, and adopting eco-friendly habits on campus. These efforts foster a community that values energy conservation and environmental stewardship, aligning with the university’s commitment to SDG 7.
Through these initiatives, Ahlia University supports SDG 7 by promoting energy efficiency, educating students on renewable energy, and fostering a culture of sustainability. This approach aligns with Bahrain’s national efforts for clean, reliable, and affordable energy, helping prepare students to be informed and responsible advocates for sustainable energy solutions in their communities and professions.
الأبحاث في الجامعة الأهلية
Ahlia University is looking to install solar panels for clean energy
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/ahlia-university-looking-install-solar-panels-clean-energy/
Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, received in his office Professor Abdullah Yousef Al-Hawaj, founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University, accompanied by Dr. Mansour Al-Aali, President of the University.At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister welcomed the guests, praising the activities and programs of Ahlia University and the projects that the university intends to implement in the future aimed at enhancing the status of higher education in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Minister Mirza welcomed this initiative from Ahlia University and said that we in the Sustainable Energy Unit encourage such initiatives that will contribute to achieving national ratios and goals in the uses of renewable energy and raising energy efficiency in Bahrain. Encouragement, support and provide all possible assistance in order to implement this project on the campus of Ahlia University. The meeting was attended by Eng. Jahan Al-Mirbati, Executive Director of the Sustainable Energy Unit. and Dr. Khalid Burashid, Advisor to the Unit. and engineer Nurzat is an expert in renewable energy.
Ahlia University is looking to install solar panels for clean energy-akhbar-alkhaleej
Ahlia University is looking to install solar panels for clean energy-alwatan
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/ahlia-university-looking-install-solar-panels-clean-energy-alwatan/
15المرتبة International Annual Conference, 16المرتبة ’ 18المرتبة May 2017, Sheraton International, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
An Investigation of the Utilization of Energy and Water Conservation Technologies in Bahrain: Entrepreneur opportunity
Buildings and Utilities
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/ahlia-university-sustainability/sustainability-in-operations/
Sustainability in building and utilities recognizes that institution need to take all sorts of steps to lighten the footprint of its infrastructure.
For example, Ahila University is committed to sustainability
through the following:
* Buildings are generally the largest user of energy and the largest source of
greenhouse gas emissions on campus.
* Buildings also use significant amounts of potable water.
* To reduce electricity consumption all campus lighting system uses
LED lights (Light Emitting Diode) which is recommended by Bahrain
electricity and water authority.
* Housing the university in Gosi complex where there is efficient use of water,
automated lighting facility, clean environment within Gosi Complex, and the use
of transparent roof to ensure efficient use of sunlight and lesser use of
electricity.
* Encouraging recycling of paper and other products in the operations of the
University and improving the service to the students and other stakeholders
using modern technology that removes the use of paper, pen and other resources.
Institutions can design, build, and maintain buildings in ways that provide a safe and healthy indoor environment for inhabitants while simultaneously mitigating the building’s impact on the outdoor environment. Sustainability is a core commitment in AU’s Master Plan, and is taken into account in all infrastructure decisions related to the new campus in Northern City. AU also has a comprehensive set of Design Standards which it adheres to in its Project Management.
Transportation
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/ahlia-university-sustainability/sustainability-in-operations/
Ahlia University subscribes to the use of sustainability
concept in the transportation sector.
Ahlia University is housed in a premises that has parking for cycles (photos
can be given). This encourages people to use cycles. Some foreign students from
France who studied at Ahlia University were using cycles to commute between
their flat and the university.
Ahlia University is located in a place where upto 25% of their staff are located within walking distance from the university. This obviates the need to provide transportation to those staff.
Ahlia encourages its staff to use public transport. It allocates transportation allowance to a majority of its staff that could meet the transportation expenses when travelling by public transport.
Ahlia provides sharing bus services to transport students where possible. Although in Bahrain petrol is cheap, Ahlia University uses buses to transport staff and students on occasions when groups have to travel.
Ahlia is located in a place where parking is managed based on the optimum requirement. This enables students and staff to share cars so that parking space problems are avoided. In addition, Ahlia University schedules the classes in the timetable based on the availability of resources including parking space. This makes it possible to efficiently use parking space.
In addition, Ahlia University organizes and encourages participation of its faculty and staff in transportation sustainability related conferences and seminars (recent papers in WASD Conference).
Almost all cars used by Ahlia staff are eco-friendly and conform to international emission standards. This supports a clean environment with very little environment pollution. In addition cars in use need to be energy efficient and meet the standards of the traffic directorate in Bahrain.
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