Eastern Region Governor Prince Saud Bin Naif Discusses Energy Sustainability With GCCIA Staff

Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of the Eastern Region, welcomed members of the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) at the principality headquarters. He was updated on the authority's grid interconnection expansion projects among GCC states. These initiatives aim to support clean energy transition and achieve carbon neutrality.

During discussions, Prince Saud highlighted that the interconnection project is advancing into a wider phase. This development enhances opportunities for electric power exchange and trade among regional countries. It also opens new possibilities for linking with other nations, thereby boosting benefits and improving energy security within the GCC.

Eng. Ahmed Al-Ebrahim, CEO of GCCIA, emphasised their ongoing support for GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, in transitioning to clean energy and achieving carbon neutrality. He mentioned that renewable energy capacity across member states is projected to surpass 120 gigawatts by 2030 and reach approximately 180 gigawatts by 2040.

The authority has played a crucial role in integrating these capacities by managing production fluctuations. This integration facilitates marketing surplus electricity among member states and reduces the need for additional generation reserves. Consequently, this effort has helped lower carbon emissions by nearly seven million tons of CO₂ in recent years.

Al-Ebrahim also discussed the significant economic and social impact of the interconnection project. He noted that GCCIA has embarked on a new phase of strategic expansion from the Eastern Region. This includes expanding interconnection with Kuwait through new transmission lines and the Al-Wafra station.

The Al-Wafra station became fully operational in the third quarter of this year at a cost of $260 million. It serves as a gateway for future expansion towards the north, marking an important milestone in regional connectivity efforts.

Prince Saud commended GCCIA teams for enhancing grid reliability and readiness while supporting economic development goals across GCC countries. The project not only strengthens regional cooperation but also maximises benefits by opening new horizons for linkage with other nations.

With inputs from SPA